Optometry Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Optometry, including details on myopia, optometric practice, therapy.

Changes in scanning laser polarimetry before and after laser capsulotomy for posterior capsular opacification.

Brittain CJ, Fong KC, Hull CC, Gillespie IH

The Royal Eye Unit, Kingston Hospital NHS Trust, Galsworthy Road Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 7QB, UK. chrisjbrittain@doctors.net.uk

PURPOSE: To investigate changes in scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation (GDx-VCC) parameters caused by posterior capsular opacification (PCO). METHODS: In this comparative case-control series, 20 eyes due to undergo YAG laser capsulotomy for PCO were recruited. GDx-VCC was performed before and after laser capsulotomy, and digital photographs were taken of the PCO to assess their severity and type. The other eye of each subject was used as the control group. RESULTS: Typical scan score was significantly improved after laser from 33 to 55.1 (P=0.001; n=19) and TSNIT score was significantly lower, dropping from 62.3 to 58.9 (P=0.03; n=19). There was no change in the nerve fiber index. All parameters in the control group remained unchanged except the Q-score which rose from 8.1 to 8.8 (P=0.05; n=16). There was no correlation between severity of PCO or the pearly/fibrous nature and the change in parameter values. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that in subjects being considered with GDx-VCC, the presence of visually significant PCO may introduce artifact as judged by the typical scan score.

Published 16 January 2007 in J Glaucoma, 16(1): 112-6.
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