Nd:YAG laser removal of pupillary membranes developed after ECCE with PC-IOL implantation.
OBJECTIVE
To define the frequency of development of pupillary membranes after ECCE with PC-IOL implantation, and to remove the pupillary membranes using the Nd:YAG laser.


METHODS
From 400 patients who had undergone ECCE and were free from local or systemic illness affecting the blood-ocular barrier, 20 eyes developed pupillary membranes Nd:YAG laser was used to remove these pupillary membranes.


RESULTS
The frequency of pupillary membranes was found to be 5% (9.8% in pex eyes and 3.3% to the non-pex eyes). Visual acuity improved in 17 eyes by 2 to 5 Snellen lines. No serious complications were observed, endothelium inclusive.


CONCLUSIONS
Pseudoexfoliation might play a significant role in the development of postoperative pupillary membranes which could be successfully treated with the use of Nd:YAG laser. The safety of the procedure has to be evaluated in relation to the corneal endothelium damage in long-term.
Kozobolis
V P
VP
University of Crete, School of Health Sciences, Department of Ophthalmology, Vardinoyannion Eye Institute of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.
Pallikaris
I G
IG
Tsambarlakis
I G
IG
Vlachonikolis
I G
IG
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002452:Cell Count; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007499:Iris Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008566:Membranes / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011680:Pupil; D012086:Reoperation; D014792:Visual Acuity