title: Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy: a survey of UK practice and recommendations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine national trends in YAG laser capsulotomy practice in the NHS.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 300 consultants were randomly selected, based on a list from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, to receive a postal questionnaire. It included 10 questions about YAG capsulotomy technique and postcapsulotomy management.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 158 (53%) replies were received; 132 (83.5%) questionnaires were completed correctly. Most consultants dilate the pupil prior to treatment (98.5%) and use contact lens (87.9%), with 63.5% reporting using contact lenses for more than one indication. Nearly half of the consultants used cruciate laser pattern (47.0%). Most aimed for capsulotomy size larger than undilated pupil size (64.4%). A total of 42.4% used postoperative steroid drops, 61.8% for 1 week. Half used postlaser intraocular pressure-lowering drops with the majority used as 1-stat dose (85.1%). A total of 60% are not reviewing cases. Cases reviewed are mostly seen by doctors, with 50% reviewed 1 month postlaser.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Though commonly practiced, there is still considerable variation in YAG laser capsulotomy practice among NHS consultant ophthalmologists. Evidence-based guidelines are warranted to lessen any unnecessary complications.
authors.affiliation: Sussex Eye Hospital, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gomaa
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D058442:Capsule Opacification / Q000601:surgery*; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000639:trends*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D057852:Posterior Capsule of the Lens / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000639:trends*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom