Vitreous opacification after neodymium:YAG posterior capsulotomy

To describe the clinical picture in eyes that developed vitreous opacification behind the intraocular lens (IOL) after neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy and determine whether this type of opacification tends to occur in patients with diabetes. Shinjo Eye Clinic, Miyazaki, Japan. The clinical course in 728 eyes that had Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy was reviewed. After Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy, opacification developed in the vitreous in contact with the IOL in 9 eyes (1.2%). All occurred in diabetic patients, and the vitreous opacification developed within 1 month after the capsulotomy. A vitrectomy was performed in 8 eyes and in 1, the opacification spontaneously absorbed. Vitreous opacification occurred in 8.9% of 101 eyes of diabetic patients, and the prevalence in diabetic eyes was significantly higher than in nondiabetic eyes ( P < .0001). Nine of the diabetic eyes were opaque and 92 nonopaque. In the opaque eyes, the prevalence of panretinal photocoagulation was higher than in the nonopaque eyes ( P = .013), and hemoglobin A lc ( P = .030) was higher; the interval between cataract surgery and Nd:YAG capsulotomy was shorter ( P = .047) and the final visual acuity, lower ( P = .045). The prevalence of vitreous opacification after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was significantly higher in diabetic than in nondiabetic eyes. Viterectomy was effective for this type of opacification.