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Neodymium: YAG laser iridotomies — short-term comparison with capsulotomies and long-term follow-up

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Abstract

This study addresses three aspects of anterior segment Nd: YAG laser treatment — acute endothelial damage, as assessed by endothelial specular photomicrography (ESP), acute and long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) changes, and long-term iridotomy patency. The acute ESP and IOP changes in 26 eyes (21 patients) after Nd: YAG laser iridotomies were compared to 39 eyes (37 patients) after Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy. Similar endothelial damage occurred in both groups, although less damage was noted in the group of 9 eyes in which capsulotomies were undertaken in the presence of an intraocular lens. In a parallel study 53 eyes (44 patients) were followed for a mean of 83 weeks (19 months) from the time of Nd: YAG iridotomy. There were no late closures and no late rises in IOP. The level of acute IOP rise after treatment did not predict long-term IOP. We conclude that Nd: YAG iridotomy is an effective procedure in the long-term, and that both iridotomy and capsulotomy are accompanied by noteworthy acute endothelial changes and intraocular pressure rises.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Moorfields Eye Hospital, City Road, EC1V 2PD, London, England

    C. R. Canning, M. R. C. Capon, E. S. Sherrard, M. G. Kerr Muir, R. Pearson & R. J. Cooling

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  1. C. R. Canning
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  2. M. R. C. Capon
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  3. E. S. Sherrard
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  4. M. G. Kerr Muir
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  5. R. Pearson
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  6. R. J. Cooling
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Canning, C.R., Capon, M.R.C., Sherrard, E.S. et al. Neodymium: YAG laser iridotomies — short-term comparison with capsulotomies and long-term follow-up. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 226, 49–54 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02172718

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02172718

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