Effect of anterior capsular polishing on the incidence of YAG capsulotomy

Abstract

Purpose: To study the effect of anterior capsule polishing during phacoemulsification on the incidence of post operative YAG laser capsulotomy. Method: A retrospective controlled study of 159 patients who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification with anterior capsular polishing between October 1998 and March 2000. 169 age matched patients who underwent phacoemulsification but without anterior capsule polishing served as controls. Main outcome measure: Incidence of visually significant YAG capsulotomy, which improved the Snellen acuity for more than 1 line or at least 1 line with subjective improvements in symptoms. Results: 2.51 % of patients with anterior capsular polishing (Group 1) had YAG capsulotomy compared to 7.1% of patients in control group at one year. However, after two years, 11.3% of patients in Group I had YAG capsulotomy compared to 12.4% in Group 2. Conclusion: Anterior capsular polishing during cataract surgery may delay the opacification of posterior capsule during the early postoperative period. But does not decrease the incidence of YAG capsulotomy after two years.