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Early trials indicate Phacolase is safe, effective

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THOROFARE, N.J. — Cataract removal using an Er:YAG laser may allow incision sizes as small as 1 mm, according to Mark Packer, MD. This modality could eliminate corneal burns and help preserve endothelial cells, he said.

Dr. Packer is one of the investigators involved in Food and Drug Administration trials of Asclepion-Meditec's Phacolase, which to date has been successful in removing cataracts with a nuclear density of up to +3.

Researchers currently believe the Er:YAG laser cataract removal is a comparable alternative to ultrasound phaco in about 75% of cataract cases. Drawbacks of the technology, including longer surgical times and difficulty cracking hard nuclei, were not found to be significantly harmful to the eye, Dr. Packer said.

Laser phaco uses a non-thermal energy source, Dr. Packer said, which eliminates the risk of corneal burns. Incision sizes may be reduced to between 1 mm and 1.6 mm, allowing surgeons to implant smaller IOLs when they are developed, he added.

More study details will be published in the upcoming Dec. 1 issue of Ocular Surgery News.