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Femtosecond capsulotomy optimizes effective lens position
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CHICAGO — Femtosecond laser capsulotomy offered more accurate and predictable effective lens position than traditional manual methods, according to a study presented here.
 Roger F. Steinert |
In a study presented by Roger F. Steinert, MD, at the joint meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology, 25 patients underwent programmed femtosecond laser capsulotomy and 21 patients underwent manual capsulorrhexis. Laser capsulotomy was performed with the LenSx femtosecond laser (Alcon).
Study results showed that at 1 month after surgery, effective lens position was statistically significantly more stable after femtosecond capsulotomy than after manual capsulorrhexis (P < .05), Dr. Steinert said.
Even minimal displacement of effective lens position can have a significant impact on final refractive outcome; a shift in the C-axis of the implant by as little as 0.5 mm can induce refractive error as high as 1 D, Dr. Steinert said.
"We need a procedure that has certain confidence in order to continue to expand the market and deliver the best results to our patients," Dr. Steinert said. "Part of that means that we need a more predictable visual outcome."
The study presented by Dr. Steinert highlights another advantage of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. Comparing the spherical equivalent postoperative refractions of femtosecond laser procedures to conventional phaco showed a statistically significant improvement in IOL power predictability in the femto laser group. The laser advantage appears to be a result of more precisely sized and centered anterior capsulotomies, providing consistent 360° anterior capsular overlap on the optic, leading to a more stable IOL optic position.
Any new technology a cataract surgeon can rely on to improve the refractive outcome will increase patient satisfaction and helps justify the added cost of the entire procedure.
– R. Bruce Wallace III, MD
OSN Cataract
Surgery Board Member