Neodymium: YAG laser surgery: the treatment of pediatric cataract disease.

ABSTRACT

Cataract extraction in children has undergone dramatic changes during the past 20 years, largely as a result of technologic advances. The neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (NdYAG) laser has indirectly brought the surgical technique full circle. The posterior capsule may be preserved at surgery and treated successfully with the NdYAG when necessary. In 16 such cases reported here, 11 patients with congenital and five with acquired cataracts all had improved vision after treatment with the NdYAG laser. The youngest patient was aged four years. The safety of NdYAG laser therapy is supported by this study.