Damage to the corneal endothelium by Q-switched Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.

Clinical specular microscopy of the corneal endothelium of eyes immediately before and after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy revealed apparent endothelial damage. Comparative specular and scanning electron microscopical studies in rabbits showed extensive cell destruction, and clinical observations indicated 'healing' of the lesions by extensions from neighbouring cells. Possible causes of the damage are discussed.