Comparison of Two Nd:YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy: Cruciate Pattern vs Circular Pattern

Cataract is the principal cause of visual impairment worldwide. Despite improvements in cataract surgery techniques, years after surgery, lens epithelial cells can colonize causing development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Neodymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd: YAG) laser capsulotomy is an effective technique in treating visually significant PCO. The aim of the work is to compare circular and cruciate methods of YAG laser capsulotomy. This study included 30 eyes of 30 patients with PCO underwent YAG laser capsulotomy. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1): undergo cruciate pattern, Group (G2): undergo circular pattern with vitreous strand cutting. We examined all patients whome ages were above 25 years old and had posterior capsule opacification affecting the vision and had no previous ocular disease or ocular surgery other than cataract. Nd:YAG laser significantly improved visual functions (P 0.05). There is a slight increase in ocular tension post laser which returned to normal values within 1 week which were insignificant (P>0.05). Group 2 needed a little bit higher energy which were with non-significant difference between both groups. (Nd: YAG) laser is an effective technique in treating visually significant PCO Cruciate method proved to be more popular as it uses less energy and subsequent less possible complications.