Refraction and anterior chamber depth before and after neodymium: YAG laser treatment for posterior capsule opacification in pseudophakic eyes: a prospective study.

Anterior chamber depth and refraction were evaluated in 52 pseudophakic eyes before and about one month after neodymium: YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification. External anterior chamber depth averaged 4.06 mm before and 4.07 mm after laser treatment, a statistically insignificant change. Mean spherical equivalent refraction before laser treatment, estimated from the prescription of spectacles, was 0.30 diopters (D). Mean subjective refraction after laser treatment was 0.24 D. The difference was not significant. Mean capsulotomy opening diameter increased from 3.44 mm +/- 0.61 mm (+/- SD) immediately after the laser treatment to 3.67 mm +/- 0.61 mm one month later. The increase was statistically significant. Intraocular lens position and spherical equivalent refraction did not change after the YAG laser capsulotomy, despite a significant increase in area of the capsulotomy opening.