The long-term effect of Yag laser posterior capsulotomy on intraocular pressure after combined glaucoma and cataract surgery.

In order to evaluate the long-term effect of Yag laser posterior capsulotomy on intraocular pressure (IOP) after combined cataract and glaucoma surgery, we retrospectively studied 20 patients who underwent posterior capsulotomy after single-site combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy. We assessed mean IOP and number of glaucoma medications. The mean follow-up was 3 months (range 1 to 6 months). Mean IOP's remained almost unchanged, and were 13.9 +/- 2.7 before and 14.8 +/- 3 mmHg after capsulotomy (p = 0.115). The mean number of medications (0.4) remained unchanged. We conclude that Yag laser posterior capsulotomy does not significantly affect bleb function or glaucoma medication use in patients who underwent combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy.