Laser synechialysis to prevent membrane recurrence on silicone intraocular lenses.

Abstract

To determine whether laser posterior synechialysis will prevent recurrence of pigmented membranes that can form on the anterior surface of silicone intraocular lenses. Three patients (four eyes) had posterior synechiae and silicone intraocular lens surface membranes that required long-term corticosteroid treatment. Posterior synechiae were lysed by an Nd:YAG laser (1 to 2 mJ per burst; 148 to 485 applications; total energy, 296 to 896 mJ). All four eyes remained free of recurrence from 12 to 14 months. Silicone intraocular lens surface membranes emanated from posterior synechiae. The Nd:YAG laser synechialysis prevented recurrence and allowed discontinuation of corticosteroids.