In vitro analysis of Nd:YAG laser damage to hydrophilic intraocular lenses.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Damaged optics of an intraocular lens (IOL) can impair visual functioning. Damage can occur during the manufacturing process, during implantation, or during post-implantation Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. An in vitro experiment was performed to identify the potential IOL damage patterns associated with the use of the Nd:YAG laser for posterior capsulotomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A review of the literature regarding Nd:YAG laser damage to IOLs was performed. The objectives were to describe the damage patterns to a sample IOL by performing virtual posterior capsulotomies.

RESULTS

Patterns of damage were demonstrated and described.

CONCLUSION

Although optic damage can occur with use of the Nd:YAG laser, it is infrequent and usually the result of improper depth of focus.