To evaluate central macular thickness (CMT) changes following Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification (PCO).
Approach:
Data Sources: Searches conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid Medline, and Cochrane Library from inception until May 1, 2026.
Key Findings:
Significant CMT increase at postoperative week 1 (MD: 8.72 μm; p < 0.001).
CMT increase at month 1 (MD: 3.69 μm; p < 0.001).
CMT increase at month 3 (MD: 5.07 μm; p < 0.001).
No significant change in CMT at day 1 (MD: 0.06 μm; p = 0.97).
Greater CMT change observed with laser energy ≥ 50 mJ and baseline BCVA ≥ 0.5 logMAR.
Interpretation:
The meta-analysis indicates a temporal pattern of CMT increases following Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy, with significant changes noted from week 1 to month 3.
Limitations:
Moderate overall risk of bias in included studies.
No significant associations found in meta-regression for ethnicity, study design, steroid use, or sample size.
Conclusion:
This study provides evidence of CMT changes post-Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy, highlighting the need for careful postoperative monitoring.
At ASRS 2026, Kareem Moussa, MD, presented early data suggesting optoretinography may identify photoreceptor dysfunction in diabetic eyes before conventional imaging reveals abnormalities.
