To evaluate the long-term follow-up of adverse effects after neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garne (Nd:YAG) laser treatment for posterior capsular opacification (PCO).

In this study, 152 patients (184 eyes) diagnosed with PCO and who received Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy with at least 5 years of follow-up were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the clinical adverse consequences after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.

The mean age in the study group was 63.2 ± 4.2 years and the mean follow-up period was 6.2 ± 0.6 years. Vitreous floaters (8.1%) were the most common complication followed by reactive anterior uveitis (5.9%) and transient increase in intraocular pressure of more than 30 mm Hg (5.4%). Other complications included primary Nd:YAG laser failure (2.7%), recurrent lens epithelial remnant proliferation (1.6%), cystoid macular edema (1.1%), corneal edema (0.5%), retinal tear (0.5%), and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (0.5%).

Although Nd:YAG laser treatment is the most effective and safe method, surgeons should be aware of the occasional complications such as recurrent lens epithelial remnant proliferation, retinal tear, and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment through long-term follow-up.