Research article

Does a small central Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy improve peripheral fundal visualisation for the Vitreoretinal surgeon?

Niall Patton , Tariq M Aslam , Harry G Bennett and Baljean Dhillon

Department of Ophthalmology, Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Chalmers Street, Edinburgh. EH9 3HA

author email corresponding author email

BMC Ophthalmology 2004, 4:8doi:10.1186/1471-2415-4-8

Published:	30 June 2004

Abstract

Background

To evaluate the effect of Nd:YAG capsulotomy for posterior capsular opacification (PCO) on visualisation of the peripheral fundus with scleral indentation.

Methods

Patients undergoing Nd:YAG capsulotomy for PCO were examined pre- and four weeks post- Nd:YAG capsulotomy. In order to give a quantitative measure of visualisation of the peripheral retina, a novel scalar measurement was developed. Changes in the degree of visualisation following Nd:YAG capsulotomy were calculated.

Results

There was a significant improvement in fundal visualisation of the retinal periphery with scleral indentation following Nd:YAG capsulotomy (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Peripheral fundal visualisation with scleral indentation improves following a small central Nd:YAG capsulotomy. This finding is important in relation to the detection of peripheral pseudophakic retinal breaks, particularly in those patients deemed at high risk following Nd:YAG capsulotomy.