We conducted a retrospective analysis of Q-switched neodymium-YAG laser capsulotomies performed in 122 eyes between April 1984 and June 1987. Retinal complications occurred in 3 (2.5%) of 121 eyes followed up for 1 year and in 2 (3.6%) of 55 eyes followed up for 2 years. Four eyes developed rhegmatogenous retinal detachments and 1 developed an acute symptomatic retinal tear. No patients developed clinical cystoid macular edema (visual acuity 20/30 or worse). These retinal complications were significantly correlated with axial myopia, preexisting vitreoretinal disease, male gender, younger age, vitreous prolapse into the anterior chamber, and spontaneous extension of the capsulotomy.