Abstract
Purpose: :
To compare the time delay of Nd : YAG laser capsulotomy after cataract surgery according to the type of intra–ocular lens material (PMMA, silicone, and hydrophobic acrylic).
Methods: :
A retrospective record review of 1103 eyes requiring Nd:YAG Capsulotomy over a period of four years. Data on the type of intra–ocular lens implanted was extracted from the patient notes, and was compared with the date of cataract surgery. The lenses used were divided in three groups: group 1 (274 eyes) with Hydrophobic acrylic IOLs, group 2 (138 eyes) with Silicone IOLs and group 3 (eyes 538) PMMA IOLs. 153 eyes were excluded as lens material was unknown/unrecorded.
Results: :
The incidence of YAG capsulotomy was lowest with Silicone IOLs (12.5%), followed by Hydrophobic acrylic IOLs (24.8%), and PMMA IOLs (48.8%). The mean delay of Nd : YAG laser treatment from the date of cataract operation was 3.66 years (ranging from 0 to 6.67 years) for all lens types, and lowest with Hydrophobic acrylic IOLs (3 years), followed by PMMA IOLs (3.67 years), and Silicone IOLs (4.67 years).
Conclusions: :
Mean delay to Nd : YAG laser treatment was found different in all three groups. The choice of IOL material not only affects the rate but also time delay to posterior capsular opacification. This should be taken into consideration when planning the length of follow–up used in research regarding Posterior Capsular Opacification Post–Cataract Surgery.
Keywords: posterior capsular opacification (PCO) • intraocular lens • laser