The effect of YAG laser anterior capsulotomy on prostaglandin concentration in aqueous humor.

The YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) laser has been recommended for anterior capsulotomies. One major complication is elevated intraocular pressure. We report a study of the biochemical content of the aqueous humor after a YAG laser anterior capsulotomy. We analyzed 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, thromboxane B2 and protein concentrations in the aqueous humor of human eyes. The average values of protein, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, and thromboxane B2 in the control eyes were 81.3 +/- 14.0 mg/dL, 17 +/- 30 pg/mL, and 10 +/- 10 pg/mL, respectively. These values were elevated to 182.4 +/- 81.3 mg/dL, 401 +/- 55 pg/mL, and 576 +/- 148 pg/mL, respectively, after YAG laser anterior capsulotomy. The samples with a moderate level of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (less than 300 pg/mL) had negligible changes of thromboxane. The elevation of thromboxane was obvious only when prostaglandin levels rose above 300 pg/mL.