To determine changes in the intra-ocular lens position after neodymiun:yttrium-aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) posterior capsulotomy by measuring anterior chamber depth and refraction both–spherical equivalent and cylinder, a prospective observational study was carried out comprising 73 eyes of 70 pseudophakic patients who presented with diminution of vision after cataract surgery due to formation of posterior capsular opacification in the outpatients department of KPC Medical College and Hospital. They underwent Nd: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy at another eye hospital with visuals YAG III (Carl–Zeiss).

Anterior chamber depth and refractive status of the patients were measured by Topcon ALADDIN (Tokyo) and automated refractometer (Topcon RM- 800) before laser and 1 hour, 1 week and 3 months postlaser. Anterior chamber depth was decreased following capsulotomy which was statistically significant in 1 week and 3 months (p=0.006 and 0.009 respectively) mean difference –0.215mm and –0.239 respectively. But both forward intra-ocular lens movement (48 patients) and backward intra-ocular movement (25 patients) were found.

Spherical equivalent was decreased progressively. Mean pretreatment anterior chamber depth was – 1.236, 1 hour –1.129, 1 week –1.034, 3 months –1.012 respectively but difference was very low between 1 week and 3 months. Cylinder did not show any statistically significant difference.

Statistically significant changes were found in anterior chamber depth and spherical equivalent but their magnitudes were very small to cause inconvenience to the patient. New spectacles if needed should be given at the end of the 1st week.

Key words: Neodymium:Yttrium-aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG), posterior capsular opacification, posterior capsulotomy, anterior chamber depth, spherical equivalent, spherical, intra-ocular lens.

AUTHORS: Ayan Mitra, Rinki Saha, Subhadip Sarkar, Mukul Chandra Biswas