Femto cataract safety

Cataract surgery outcomes have improved over the years with the ongoing technical developments. However, manual capsulorhexis continues to be the most difficult part of the procedure, and is highly dependent on the surgeon’s skill. Proponents of femtocataract surgery believe this new approach may reduce complications and improve outcomes. Investigators at MaxiVision Eye Hospital, Begumpet, Hyderabad, India, conducted a randomised controlled open-label multisurgeon prospective trial comparing cataract surgery using femtosecond laser–assisted lens fragmentation and anterior capsulotomy versus manual cataract surgery. 56 eyes underwent the femtosecond laser procedure, and 63 had manual cataract surgery. The mean effective phacoemulsification time was significantly lower in the laser group than in the manual group. There was also a significant difference in the mean phaco energy between the two groups. Laser-assisted capsulotomies were significantly more accurate and precise in terms of intended diameter, circularity, centration. The safety profiles of the procedures were equivalent, with no adverse events at the one-day follow-up.

 KP Reddy et al., JCRS, “Effectiveness and safety of femtosecond laser fragmentation and anterior capsulotomy versus the manual technique in cataract surgery”, Volume 39, Issue 9 Pages 1297-1306.