title: A new technique for Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effects of a new opening pattern in neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy on visual function.
  
  
  METHODS
  This technique was conducted along a circular pattern. The energy ranged between 0.8 and 1.2 mJ/pulse was consumed and mean total energy levels were 74±21 mJ (mean±standard deviation: SD, from 40 to 167) and laser shots aimed at 150 µm away behind a datum point and went along an imaginary line which extends 0.5 mm inside from optic margin and into the circular en bloc pattern. Vitreous stands were attached with fragment and then they were cut off by the laser after circular application. The circular fragment was completely separated from vitreous, and then this fragment was quickly sunk in intravitreal space.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The follow-up period ranges from at least a week to 40mo, making 15.8mo on average. The procedural outcome showed 96% (74 eyes out of the 77 eyes) enhancement in patients' visual acuity. Cystoid macular edema or retinal detachment was not observed in any of the patients during follow-up periods.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This new technique is expected to improve the weaknesses that the conventional procedures have by adding the process to cut off vitreous stands attached with the fragment by the laser to the circular application.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan University College of Medicine, 290-3 Jeonha-dong, Dong-gu, Ulsan 682-714, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jung Kee
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Min
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan University College of Medicine, 290-3 Jeonha-dong, Dong-gu, Ulsan 682-714, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jae Hwan
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: An
authors.affiliation: Samsung Eye Clinic, Cheongju 361-270, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jin Ho
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Yim
keywords: YAG laser capsulotomy; cataract; intraocular lens damage; posterior capsular opacification; vitreous strand