Abstract
BackgroundNeodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) posterior capsulotomy is a common treatment for posterior capsular opacification. Practice varies regarding routine follow-up. In this study, we reviewed follow-up rates and treatment-related complications from a district general hospital’s ophthalmology unit to assess areas for improvement and cost-effectiveness.MethodologyWe conducted a retrospective review of electronic patient records for all patients treated with Nd:YAG capsulotomy in 2019 at our hospital. Primary outcomes included visual acuity, complications, and follow-up data. Secondary outcomes included medication prescribing and the grade of surgeon.ResultsIn total, 912 eyes of 744 patients were included. Overall, 536 (58.8%) eyes were discharged immediately following their laser. Complication rate was 4.3% (39 eyes). Junior training grades had a higher rate of medication prescribing (40/46 eyes; 87.0%) and follow-up (36/40 eyes; 78.3%).ConclusionsCertain selected patients may be safely discharged following capsulotomy with safety-netting advice. This strategy increases the capacity to follow-up patients at higher risk of complications. Higher rates of follow-up among junior ophthalmologists offers potential for training.
Highlights
Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) posterior capsulotomy (YAG-PC) is a common elective outpatient laser procedure for the treatment of posterior capsular opacification (PCO)
Junior training grades had a higher rate of medication prescribing (40/46 eyes; 87.0%) and follow-up (36/40 eyes; 78.3%)
A survey of 132 UK-based National Health Service (NHS) consultant ophthalmologists in reported that 40% of respondents routinely follow-up their patients after YAG-PC [2]
Summary
Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) posterior capsulotomy (YAG-PC) is a common elective outpatient laser procedure for the treatment of posterior capsular opacification (PCO). PCO is one of the most common complications of cataract surgery and represents a significant proportion of referrals to secondary ophthalmology services. A survey of 132 UK-based National Health Service (NHS) consultant ophthalmologists in reported that 40% of respondents routinely follow-up their patients after YAG-PC [2]. A recent survey in EyeNews reported that 22.1% of respondents routinely followed up their patients after YAG-PC [3]. Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) posterior capsulotomy is a common treatment for posterior capsular opacification. We reviewed follow-up rates and treatment-related complications from a district general hospital’s ophthalmology unit to assess areas for improvement and cost-effectiveness
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