Effect of Nd∶YAG laser treatment for correlative capsular syndrome

Abstract

Objective To study the clinical effect of Nd∶YAG laser treatment for correlative capsular syndrome after cataract phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lenses (IOL) implants. Methods This was a retrospective case-controlled study. Thirty-three patients (33 eyes) diagnosed with correlative capsular syndrome who underwent cataract phacoemulsification with foldable IOL implantation were treated with Nd∶YAG laser. Twelve eyes were in the capsular contraction syndrome (CCS) group and 21 eyes were in the capsular block syndrome (CBS) group. In the CCS group, radial cuts were made in 10 eyes for anterior capsular fibrillar contraction rings and posterior capsulotomy with Nd∶YAG laser was used in 2 eyes. Seven eyes with early postoperative CBS underwent peripheral anterior capsulotomy with Nd∶YAG laser and fluid from the capsular bag was drained into the anterior chamber. Two of them had procedures that were combined with posterior capsulotomy. Fourteen eyes in the CBS group with late postoperative CBS underwent posterior capsulotomy with Nd∶YAG laser to liberate fluid from the capsular bag into the vitreous cavity. All cases were followed up for 6 months. Results In the CCS group postoperatively, the anterior capsular fibrillar contraction rings were relaxed, capsular bag contraction disappeared, the anterior capsular transparent zones were enlarged, IOLs were in the central position, the lenses were stretched and there was no deviation in IOL tilt or capsular bag capture. In the CBS group postoperatively, IOLs were in good position, the posterior capsules were attached to the posterior surface of the lenses without spaces, and capsular bag block was relieved effectively. Pupillary block had disappeared, the depth of the anterior chamber had deepened and IOP was normal in all 7 eyes with early CBS. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) improved at different degrees postoperatively in the CBS and CCS groups. Conclusion Nd∶YAG laser is a good choice for correlative capsular syndrome after cataract phacoemulsification with foldable IOL implantation. It has a definite clinical effect and is a simple and safe procedure. Key words: Laser, solid; Capsular contraction syndrome; Capsular block syndrome; Therapy outcome