[Evaluation of visual function following neodymium: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy].
OBJECTIVE
To probe into the clinical application of contrast sensitivity and glare sensitivity in evaluating visual function of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and also investigate the visual function criterion in performing neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy.


METHODS
Measurements of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and glare sensitivity were obtained from 73 pseudophakic eyes (67 cases) before and after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy and the results were analysed. The method of Nd:YAG laser surgery was posterior capsular circular resection. The diameter of capsular chip was 5 mm. The average energy of single pulse was (2.93 +/- 0.63) mJ and the mean total energy was (57.47 +/- 36.05) mJ. The average follow-up was (14 +/- 6) months.


RESULTS
Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity curve and glare sensitivity curve improved in all cases postoperatively. Comparing the parameters of pre-laser and post-laser measurement, there was very significant difference (P < 0.01). The only postoperative complication was the laser spot in intraocular lens (IOL, 5 eyes, 6.8%). No retinal detachment, cystoid macular edema and dislocation of IOL were observed in this series.


CONCLUSIONS
Contrast sensitivity and glare sensitivity can represent the visual function of PCO sensitively and completely. They can be regarded as evaluation criterion of surgical timing and effect of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.
Wang
Jun
J
Beijing Tong Ren Ophthalmology Center, Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China. jeffjunw@163bj.com
Sun
Baochen
B
Yang
Xiaohui
X
Chen
Jiandong
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019591:Pseudophakia / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*