EFFECTS ON CENTRAL RETINA AS DETECTED BY OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY BEFORE AND AFTER YAG LASER IN POSTERIOR CAPSULAR OPACIFICATION IN PSEUDOPHAKIC PATIENTS

Abstract

osterior capsular opacification (PCO), which is also termed secondary cataract, is a common long-term complication of modern cataract surgery. Lens epithelial cells (LECs) left behind in the capsular bag after any type of cataract surgery are mainly responsible for PCO development. Introduction of sharp-edge optic intraocular lenses (IOL) and the development of the modern phacoemulsification technique have resulted in reduced rates of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy has become standard treatment for PCO and gives rise to rapid improvements in visual acuity, relieving the symptoms of blurring, photophobia and glare. YAG laser capsulotomy is a noninvasive procedure performed on the eye to remove the opacification (cloudiness) that develops on the posterior capsule of the lens of the eye after extraction of a cataract. Nd: YAG Laser is a safe effective outpatient procedure, but not free from complications as raised intraocular pressure, cystoids macular edema, retinal detachment, anterior vitreous destruction and opacification and IOL damage and decentration. Optical and mechanical factors should be considered for the optimal size of the posterior capsulotomy: Optical factors include diffraction, reduced image sensitivity, and glare.