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Nanosecond laser technology may be future of cataract surgery
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LOS ANGELES — Nanosecond laser cataract surgery, which uses a Nd:YAG laser, employs 10% of the total energy as compared with ultrasound, is less traumatic to endothelial cells and the iris, and does not transmit heat during surgery like phacoemulsification does, according to a speaker here.
“This is an exciting new technology. ... Nanosecond laser cataract surgery is being clinically used today and I believe is a very promising technology for tomorrow,” Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, said at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting.
Eric D. Donnenfeld
The technology is currently being used for cataract surgery more in Germany, he noted, and needs to be further developed and have more support from industry and surgical players to have an impact in America.
Because no heat is transmitted during 1-mm cataract surgery, it eliminates the risk of corneal burn, he said. Its reduced, more focused energy also results in less endothelial cell damage in the eye.
Nanosecond laser cataract surgery prevents posterior capsule opacification, which is important today but will have more importance in the future with accommodating IOLs, Donnenfeld said. – by Robert Linnehan
Reference:
Donnenfeld ED. Nanosecond laser cataract removal. Presented at: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting; May 5-9, 2017; Los Angeles.
Disclosure: Donnenfeld reports no relevant financial disclosures.