Comparison of preoperative Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy versus two-stage curvilinear capsulorhexis in phacoemulsification of white intumescent cataracts.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the results of preoperative Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy versus two-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) in phacoemulsification of eyes with white intumescent cataracts and liquefied cortex.


METHODS
Twenty-three eyes with white intumescent cataract were consecutively randomized for phacoemulsification with preoperative Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy (group 1, n = 11) or two-stage CCC (group 2, n = 12) procedures. Intraoperative findings and postoperative outcomes were compared using the nonparametric tests.


RESULTS
Postoperative visual acuity, mean surgical time, mean effective phacoemulsification time, and frequency of complications were not significantly different between the two groups (P > .05). Two cases in each group were converted to the extracapsular technique. Excluding these four patients, surgical time was shorter in group 1 (P = .017).


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy is a safe technique in decompressing the capsular bag before phacoemulsification of white intumescent cataracts with liquefied cortex.
Coelho
Roberto P
RP
Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Martin
Luiz F T
LF
Paula
Jayter S
JS
Scott
Ingrid U
IU
D019923:Capsulorhexis / Q000379:methods*; D002386:Cataract / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000379:methods*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome