Effect of ND:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy on the anterior chamber depth

Cataract is the one of the most common age related, treatable cause of the decreased vision. Cataract is treated by either phacoemulsification or extra capsular cataract extraction. Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is one the most common delayed complication of the cataract surgery. Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy is the an effective and relatively non-invasive treatment option for the posterior capsular opacification. The Nd:YAG laser has its effects on the anterior camber depth. The objective of this study is to find out the effect of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy on the anterior chamber depth. Methodology: Forty five patients were included and their anterior chamber depths were measured as baseline before the treatment. After that the anterior chamber depths were calculated 1 hour, 1 week and 3 months post treatment. Results: The anterior chamber depth decreases following the Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy in 70% of patients. Depth was found to decrease over time. After 1 hour, the change was not statistically significant (p=0.4). In the later follow ups at 1 week and 3 months the anterior chamber depth showed a progressive decrease and the changes were statistically significant (p=0.001). Conclusions: Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy leads to significant changes in the anterior chamber depth. The prescription of spectacles should be avoided immediately after the capsulotomy. (author)