Optical Coherence Tomography in Detecting Subclinical Cystoid Macular Fluid Accumulation Post Nd: YAG Laser Capsulotomy

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in identifying subclinical cystoid macular edema (CME) following Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsular opacification (PCO).

Study Design: Descriptive case series.

Methods: Seventy-five eyes with visually significant PCO after uncomplicated cataract surgery were included. Exclusion criteria included corneal opacities, glaucoma, retinopathy, maculopathy, optic neuropathy, or high refractive errors (±6.0 diopters). Bestcorrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp examination, posterior segment evaluation, and macular thickness via spectral-domain OCT (TOPCON 3D OCT) were assessed pre-laser, at 1 week, and 1 month post-laser.

Results: Mean age was 56.12 ± 5.40 years (95% CI: 55.30–56.94). Of the 75 patients, 42 (56%) were male, and 33 (44%) were female. Subclinical CME was detected in 12 (16%) eyes. Of these, 4 were aged 40–55 years, and 8 were aged 56–70 years (P=0.042). Conclusion: OCT is an effective, non-invasive tool for early detection of subclinical CME post Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, facilitating timely management to prevent macular damage.