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Femtosecond laser lens fragmentation method reduces phaco energy, fluid
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CHICAGO — A minimally invasive femtosecond laser lens fragmentation technique reduces phacoemulsification time and energy and minimizes complications, a speaker said here.
 Stephen G. Slade |
“There is no hydrodissection, it uses less fluid, there is less manipulation, and [it has] potential safety advantages, which I think we’re all after,” Stephen G. Slade, MD, said at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting.
The procedure is particularly suited to patients with traumatic cataracts, low endothelial cell counts, dislocated lenses, pseudoexfoliation and weak zonules. It involves fewer instruments in the eye than the standard fragmentation method and eliminates the need to spin the nucleus manually, pre-chop the lens or tug the zonules, Dr. Slade said.
Dr. Slade reviewed a study in which 20 patients underwent the new procedure or the standard ultrasound lens chop technique. The new procedure was performed with the LenSx femtosecond laser (Alcon).
Dr. Slade and colleagues evaluated cumulative dissipated energy and amount of fluid used intraoperatively. Slit lamp biomicroscopy, endothelial cell counts and visual outcomes were evaluated at 1 day and 1 month postoperatively.
Results showed that the new technique reduced cumulative dissipated energy by 30% and resulted in less corneal edema and endothelial cell loss than conventional lens fragmentation, Dr. Slade said.
- Disclosure: Dr. Slade is a consultant for Alcon.