Neodymium:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy for capsular contraction syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study presents the outcome of neodymium:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy for capsular contraction syndrome, the safety profile and effectiveness of which are unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Records of 32 patients with a minimum of 3 months of follow-up were reviewed retrospectively. The procedure was considered successful if all of the following criteria were met: centered intraocular lens (IOL) or no obvious change in IOL centration post-capsulotomy, no evidence of re-phimosis in the follow-up period; and no further requirement for surgical intervention due to capsular contraction syndrome in the follow-up period or complications were recorded.

RESULTS: The procedure was successful in 25 case; (78%). Failed cases (n = 7, 22.0%) included 5 cases of re-phimosis and 2 cases with progressive IOL decentration. The failure rate was higher in cases with preoperative IOL decentration (P< .01).

CONCLUSION: Neodymium:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy was successful in the majority of cases. The failure rate was higher with preoperative IOL decentration.