FS laser for removing luxated lenses

Femtosecond-laser assisted cataract surgery can simplify removal of luxated lenses in mild to moderate cases, Armando Crema MD, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, told the Combined Symposium of Cataract and Refractive Societies at the 2015 ASCRS/ASAO Symposium in San Diego.

As long as the lens is not displaced too far from the pupil center, the laser can cut the capsulotomy and pre-fragment the lens. This reduces the amount of mechanical pressure required to extract it, an advantage for patients with weakened zonules.

A capsule tensioning ring is then inserted in the bag and is centered and anchored to the sclera with a stitch, allow the replacement lens to be implanted in the bag. Dr Crema reported several cases of well-centered lenses and post-surgery corrected vision of 20/20 in patients 20/80 to 20/100 before surgery due to a luxated crystalline lens. However, if the lens is too far away from center, the laser cannot cut an adequate capsulotomy. The pros and cons of using an FS laser should be evaluated in each case, he said.