Late-onset elevation in intraocular pressure after neodymium-YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.
We retrospectively studied the long-term change in intraocular pressure after neodymium-YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. Uncomplicated extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation was performed in 446 consecutive normal eyes (401 patients), 237 (53%) of which subsequently underwent uncomplicated neodymium-YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. Late-onset elevation in intraocular pressure was seen in three eyes (1.4%) after cataract surgery alone (mean follow-up, 2.7 +/- 1.7 years) and in 14 eyes (5.9%) after cataract and laser surgeries (mean follow-up, 3.0 +/- 1.1 years). This difference was statistically significant (P less than .03). These results suggest that, in addition to immediate changes in intraocular pressure, neodymium-YAG laser posterior capsulotomy may be associated with an increase in intraocular pressure long after the laser surgery, even in normal eyes without obvious postoperative complications.
Fourman
S
S
Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York, Stony Brook 11794-8123.
Apisson
J
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies