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Early results suggest superiority of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery
 H. Burkhard Dick |
PRAGUE — Early experience with a femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery system yielded results superior to those seen with traditional phaco, according to a surgeon speaking here.
"We have acquired this laser in December and we have so far performed 140 procedures. A prospective study comparing femtosecond cataract surgery to standard phaco is under way," H. Burkhard Dick, MD, said at the winter meeting of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
Dr. Dick noted the Catalys (OptiMedica) system's Liquid Optics Interface allows gentle docking and increases intraocular pressure by only 18 mm Hg. The integrated OCT system allows visualization beyond the posterior capsule and enables customized three-dimensional treatment plans for each patient.
The femtosecond procedure showed significant advantages over standard phaco in a series of cases with comparable nucleus density treated by a single surgeon.
"In 31 cases we used just aspiration, with no ultrasound at all. In the other cases, mean phaco time was 0.16 seconds, 96% less than in the standard phaco procedures," Dr. Dick said.
Circularity and centration of the capsulorrhexis were significantly better, and IOL positioning was perfect with all types of IOLs, including toric and multifocal.
"We also had a quieter ocular surface. The cornea was extremely clear," Dr. Dick said.
Patient satisfaction was high.
"The next goal is to eliminate phaco totally," Dr. Dick said. "I am very confident that femtosecond cataract surgery will become an integral part of our surgical options."
- Disclosure: Dr. Dick has no relevant financial disclosures.