Study of Intraocular Pressure following Neodynium Yttrium Aluminium Garnet Laser Capsulotomy with the Use of Brimonidine: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Posterior capsular opacification is a common complication after cataract surgery. Neodynium Yttrium Aluminium Garnet laser capsulotomy is still the preferred treatment for posterior capsular opacification. This study was done to determine the use of Brimonidine eye drop in preventing the rise of intraocular pressure post-Neodynium Yttrium Aluminium Garnet laser capsulotomy. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Lumbini eye institute and research center, Bhairahawa, Nepal, in 200 eyes with posterior capsular opacification using Brimonidine from Feb 1, 2019, to July 30, 2019. The Institutional Review Committee approved the study with approval number 0237. A convenient sampling method was used. Pre-capsulotomy best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp examination of the anterior segment, and dilated fundus examination were done. Intraocular pressure was measured with Goldmann Applanation Tonometer. Post capsulotomy patients were evaluated after one hour, two hours, and two weeks for intraocular pressure and any complications. The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package of Social Sciences version 20.0 statistical analysis software. The descriptive statistical analysis of the study was done after the collection of the data. RESULTS: Mean age of patients at presentation was 61.61 ±SD 1.09. The mean intraocular pressure following Neodynium Yttrium aluminum garnet laser capsulotomy using brimonidine at 1 hour was 12.73±3.3 mmHg. and two hours was 11.98±3.2 mmHg. The mean energy per pulse was 2.3 ±SD 0.3 mJ. The mean duration of posterior capsular opacification from cataract surgery was 22.28 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Neodynium Yttrium Aluminium Garnet laser capsulotomy had lower intraocular pressure after the Brimonidine eye drop procedure. The maximum mean reduction in intraocular pressure was observed after two hours.