Evaluation of intraocular pressure changes following Nd: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) one week after Nd: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy in patients with posterior capsular opacification. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Setting: LRBT Free Eye Hospital, Lahore. Period: 5th August 2025 to 5^th November 2025. Methods: Using purposive sampling, 110 pseudophakic patients aged 40–85 years with visually significant PCO were included. Pre-laser IOP was recorded, Nd: YAG capsulotomy was performed using standard protocols, and post-laser IOP was reassessed one week after the procedure. Data were analyzed with SPSS v23, using chi-square testing with p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 63.2 ± 10.1 years. The average IOP increased from 15.12 ± 2.45 mmHg pre-laser to 16.98 ± 3.28 mmHg post-laser, reflecting a mean rise of 1.86 ± 1.52 mmHg (12.31% ± 8.17%). Younger patients (<60 years) showed a significantly higher incidence of IOP elevation greater than 5 mmHg compared to older individuals (38.9% vs. 17.6%; p = 0.0085). Male patients also exhibited significantly greater IOP increases compared to females (33.9% vs. 13.7%; p = 0.023). Conclusion: Nd: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is associated with a measurable increase in intraocular pressure, with younger age and male gender serving as significant predictors of larger IOP elevation. Routine monitoring of post-laser IOP is recommended, particularly in high-risk groups, to prevent potential optic nerve damage.