Laser synechialysis to prevent membrane recurrence on silicone intraocular lenses

PURPOSE: To determine whether laser posterior synechialysis will prevent recurrence of pigmented membranes that can form on the anterior surface of silicone intraocular lenses. METHODS: 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). RESULTS: All four eyes remained free of recurrence from 12 to 14 months. CONCLUSIONS: Silicone intraocular lens surface membranes emanated from posterior synechiae. The Nd:YAG laser synechialysis prevented recurrence and allowed discontinuation of corticosteroids.