Materials and Methods: Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was performed to 30 eyes of 27 patients with posterior capsule opacification (PCO) directed to or followed-up in our ophthalmology clinic. A comprehensive ophthalmologic examination was performed and AC flare measurements were noted before capsulotomy, in 1^st day and 1^st week after capsulotomy. All patients used a single dose of acetazolamide 125 mg orally 1 hour before capsulotomy; apraclonidin HCl ophthalmic drop 1x1 following capsulotomy and dexamethasone acetate ophthalmic drops 6x1 for a week after capsulotomy.

Results: Fifteen patients were male and 12 were female. The mean age was 62.4±7.2 years. A circular posterior capsulotomy was achieved with average 80.3±25.5 mJ of total energy. Preoperative and postoperative 1st week average visual acuity (VA) by Snellen charts was 0.53±0.12 and 0.74±0.15 respectively (p=0.012). Preoperative, postoperative 1st day and postoperative 1st week mean AC flare values were 9.8±2.5 photons/ ms, 11.7±3.2 photons/ms and 10.1±2.2 photon/ms respectively (p>0.05). Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 15.5±2.3 mmHg preoperatively and measured as 16.5±2.8 mmHg at 1st day and 15.9±1.7 mmHg at 1st week postoperatively (p>0.05). Except a small amount of damage on IOL optics occurring in 10% of the eyes due to Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy no other complication noted.

Conclusion: Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy should be performed carefully with low total energy and with sufficient prophylactic medication in order to avoid complications such as macular edema that may be associated with blood-aqueous barrier breakdown or IOP rise that may result from particle discharge into the aqueous humor. Keywords : Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, aqueous humor flare, intraocular pressure, macular edema, complication