Título

COMPARATION OF FLACS AND ND: YAG LASER TREATMENT FOR PREVENTING THE ARGENTINIAN FLAG SIGN IN EYES WITH INTUMESCENT WHITE CATARACTS

Objetivo

To compare the safety and complications of two anterior capsulotomy techniques, namely, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and Nd: YAG laser treatment, in eyes with intumescent white cataracts.

Método

Prospective comparative study.
Materials and methods: This study included 50 eyes with intumescent white cataracts divided into 2 equal groups in which capsulotomy was performed using two methods: Group 1, FLACS (n=25) and Group 2, Nd: YAG laser treatment (n=25). After capsulotomy, continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) was achieved with Utrata forceps if necessary. We only considered eyes with a release of white milky fluid into the anterior chamber after performing capsulotomy. The outcome measures were rhexis-related complications.

Resultado

In the FLACS group, the capsule was not completely detached in 10 eyes (40%). In the Nd: YAG laser group, CCC was achieved in all eyes. No eyes developed the Argentinian flag sign.

Conclusão

The FLACS and Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy procedures are safe approaches for treating eyes with intumescent white cataracts. The FLACS capsulotomy method was associated with a few bridges and incomplete capsulotomy, but capsulorhexis was completed with Utrata forceps without endangering the capsulorhexis integrity.