Effects of Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Nd:YAG) Laser Capsulotomy on Visual Outcomes From a Lower-Middle Income Country

Objective Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd: YAG) laser is a non-invasive and effective means to deal with posterior capsule opacification. Although it is safe, it may have some complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy in terms of visual outcomes. Methodology This retrospective study was carried out at the eye department of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College, Lyari and Sindh Government Lyari General Hospital, Karachi, by using a convenient sampling technique. The duration of the study was six months from 1st January 2020 to 30th June 2020. 50 eyes of patients older than 20 years of age of either gender with posterior capsule opacification after cataract surgery for more than 6 months of duration, capsular fibrosis, and visual distortion due to wrinkling were included in the study. Results Our results show that in a total of 50 patients, the mean age was 59.08 +/- 5.84 years, of which, 20 (40%) were males. Out of 50 patients, 22 right while 28 left eyes were selected for Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy. None of the patients showed elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) after the 1st week. Mean IOP was 16.84 +/- 3.63 mm of Hg on the 1st day and mean IOP after 1st week was 12.48 +/- 2.01 mm of Hg. Iritis was observed in 5 (10.0%) patients on the 1st day and 4 (8.0%) patients on the 1st week. Raised IOP was observed in 10 (20.0%) cases whereas cystoid macular edema was observed in only 1 (2%) patients on the 1st day and 1st week after laser therapy. Conclusion The study predicted that Nd: Yag laser posterior capsulotomy gives excellent results in terms of visual acuity. Complications that were associated with the Nd: Yag laser capsulotomy was a rise in intraocular pressure, cystoid macular edema, iritis, and IOL pitting.