Femtosecond laser procedure may modulate crystalline lens elasticity to treat presbyopia

PARIS — Photophacomodulation, a potentially revolutionary way of dealing with the aging crystalline lens and treating presbyopia, was proposed during the presentation of the 2012 Rapport at the French Society of Ophthalmology meeting.

Joseph Colin

“This new technique relies on the possibility to modulate the elasticity of the crystalline lens by performing radial femtosecond laser cuts that restore its ability to change shape as it focuses at different distances,” Joseph Colin, MD, said.

The femtosecond laser creates multiple rows of small laser microperforations that mobilize the fibers within the hardened lens and allow them to slide across one another, restoring lens flexibility.

“In experimental studies, this technique was found to increase lens elasticity without inducing cataract,” Dr. Colin said.

Eighty patients between the ages of 45 and 60 years were treated with this technique in the Philippines by Harvey S. Uy, MD, and Ronald R. Krueger, MD. No complications were reported, and no signs of lens opacification were observed at 1 year. Near vision efficacy was variable, but some patients gained up to 2.5 D.

“The optimization of laser patterns in relation to individual corneal thickness and density should help improve the efficacy of the treatment,” Dr. Colin said.

Disclosure: Dr. Colin has no relevant financial disclosures.