Comparison of two laser capsulotomy techniques: cruciate versus circular.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the safety and efficacy of two Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy techniques.


METHODS
In this prospective comparative interventional case series, 60 eyes of 57 patients with posterior capsular opacification were enrolled. Thirty eyes were selected to undergo a cruciate capsulotomy (Cross group) and the other 30 eyes were selected to undergo a circular capsulotomy (Circular group). Main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), amount of energy used, mean macular thickness (MMT), and floater symptoms.


RESULTS
The amount of energy used was significantly higher in the Circular group than in the Cross group (p < 0.001). BCVA and IOP were not significantly different between the two groups at baseline or follow-up. MMT was significantly higher in the Circular group than in the Cross group at one day after the laser procedure (p = 0.032). MMT was not significantly different between groups at one week, one month, and three months (p > 0.05). The number of patients with floater symptoms was significantly higher in the Circular group than in the Cross group at one week and one month (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Both the cross-like and circular Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy techniques induce similar visual and IOP changes. The circular technique is associated with a higher amount of energy used, more floater symptoms, and has a greater effect on macular thickness at one day after laser capsulotomy.
Sehitkamil State Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology , Gaziantep , Turkey and.
Necip
N
Kara
Yusuf
Y
Evcimen
Furkan
F
Kirik
Ahmet
A
Agachan
Fadime Ulviye
FU
Yigit
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D058442:Capsule Opacification / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D057852:Posterior Capsule of the Lens / Q000601:surgery*; D064727:Posterior Capsulotomy / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology