Complications of posterior capsulotomy with the Nd:YAG laser. Study of 226 cases

BACKGROUND: Severe complications are classically described after capsulotomy: ocular hypertension, cystoid macular edema and secondary retinal detachment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 226 patients having sustained Nd:YAG laser (PC). Posterior capsulotomy has been studied retrospectively in order to determine the rate of early complications (24 hours after PC) and late complications (up to 6 months after the PC). RESULTS: Fifteen patients (6.6%) presented acute temporary intraocular hypertension, 2 patients (0.9%) a retinal detachment, 2 patients (0.9%) a cystoid macular edema (CME). A total number of complications of 8.4% was observed, 1.8% were heavy. CONCLUSIONS: Transient rise of intraocular pressure is seen. Prophylactic treatment with acetazolamide 500 mg (Diamox) and timolol (Timoptic) is necessary.