VISUAL OUTCOMES FOLLOWING ND-YAG LASER POSTERIOR CAPSULOTOMY OR THE IMPACT OF ND-YAG LASER POSTERIOR CAPSULOTOMY ON VISION IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER.

Introduction: Cataract surgery, despite its high success rate, often results in posterior capsule opacification (PCO), a common postoperative complication leading to vision impairment. Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is the definitive treatment for PCO. This study evaluates the visual outcomes and complications following this procedure Materials and methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over 12 months, including 250 patients who developed PCO after cataract surgery and underwent Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. Patients' demographic data, pre- and post-procedural BCVA, and complications were collected. Statistical analysis involved paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signedrank tests for continuous variables and chi-square or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables. Results: Pre-laser BCVA: 48% had BCVA <6/60; 52% had BCVA 6/60-6/18. Post-laser BCVA: 78% achieved BCVA of 6/60-6/18. The most common complication was a rise in intraocular pressure (IOP), noted in 16% of patients. Other complications included IOL pitting (4%), corneal edema (3.2%), pupillary block glaucoma (1.2%), and cystoid macular edema (2.4%). Conclusion: Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy effectively improves visual acuity in patients with PCO post-cataract surgery. While complications such as transient IOP rise and IOL pitting are common, they are generally manageable. Careful patient selection, procedural expertise, and post-procedural monitoring are crucial for optimal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]