title: Nd:YAG laser photodisruption of the lens nucleus before phacoemulsification.
abstract: We studied the use of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser pulses to soften sclerotic lens nuclei before phacoemulsification. We obtained 105 lens nuclei from extracapsular cataract extractions, graded them for degree of sclerosis, and randomized them into laser treatment (53 lenses) or control groups (52 lenses). The treated lenses received laser pulses until confluent pits and clefts were visible. All lenses were phacoemulsified and the times recorded. Nd:YAG laser pretreatment decreased phacoemulsification time in all grades. In moderately sclerotic nuclei, average phacoemulsification time was reduced from 40.1 to 23.9 seconds (40.4%). The nuclei of ten lenses obtained from intracapsular cataract extractions were treated intracapsularly, and the posterior capsule was inadvertently ruptured in five.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
authors: E H
authors: EH
authors: Ryan
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Logani
mesh_terms: D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000293:injuries; D007907:Lens Nucleus, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012421:Rupture; D013997:Time Factors; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects