[The preliminary study of photolysis for cataract surgery].
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficiency of Dodick-ARC photolysis machine (a kind of Nd:YAG laser system) in the using of cataract surgery. METHODS: 52 eyes of cataract (fifty-two patients) were undergone photolysis with Dodick-ARC laser system and foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) implantation. The hardness of nuclei was graded as N(1.0) to N(4.0) of LOCS III classification system. Before and after operations, the intraocular conditions, visual acuity, corneal thickness and operative complications were recorded. The time of follow-ups was more than 6 months. RESULTS: The operations were accomplished in 28 eyes and were changed into Phacoemulsification in 24 eyes. Posterior capsule rupture occurred in 2 cases (3.8%). Severe corneal edema was found in 3 cases (5.8%) that disappeared in 1 to 2 weeks. Preoperative visual acuity was < 0.05 in 19 cases, 0.05 - 0.3 in 28 cases and 0.4 - 0.5 in 5 cases. Postoperative visual acuity was < or = 0.3 in 1 case, 0.4 - 0.5 in 12 cases, 0.6 - 0.9 in 25 cases and > or = 1.0 in 14 cases. The mean values of pachymetry was 0.59 mm preoperatively and 0.60 mm in 3 months postoperatively (P = 0.097). CONCLUSION: Photolysis using Dodick-ARC Nd:YAG laser system is a safe and effective method for cataract surgery. The further improvement of equipment and surgery techniques is needed.