New femtosecond laser has applications in cataract surgery

NEW YORK — A new femtosecond laser is showing good clinical results in applications for cataract surgery, according to a presenter here.

Richard L. Lindstrom

"What I am going to show you today is something that was mostly science fiction 5 years ago," Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, said in a presentation at OSN New York 2009.

"Reproducibility of cataract surgery is still an issue surgeon-to-surgeon and case-to-case," Dr. Lindstrom said. Applying femtosecond laser technology to cataract surgery can help improve that reproducibility.

While there are several companies working on this technology, Dr. Lindstrom spoke specifically about the LenSx femtosecond laser technology.

He said the clinical applications of the laser are that it can be used to liquefy, soften or chop the lens, create a perfectly centered and sized capsulotomy, create perfect dimensions and architecture of all surgical incisions, and correct astigmatism with precise corneal incisions.

Studies performed by Zoltan Nagy, MD, in Budapest, Hungary, have shown that capsulotomy size, shape and reproducibility were statistically improved over manual techniques, lens liquefaction and fragmentation were safe and effective, and phaco power and time were reduced, he said.

"In my opinion, it's pretty neat, and it's not that far away," Dr. Lindstrom said.

OSN New York 2010 will be held November 19-21, 2010 at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers in New York City. Learn more at OSNNY.com.