Standard manual capsulorhexis / Ultrasound phacoemulsification compared to femtosecond laser-assisted capsulorhexis and lens fragmentation in clear cornea small incision cataract surgery

Comparison of macular changes and visual outcomes between femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and conventional phacoemulsification surgery for high myopic cataract patients

BACKGROUND

To evaluate differences in log MAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement and postoperative central foveal thickness (CFT) and choroidal thickness (CT) changes between conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS) and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) for high-myopia cataracts.

METHODS

This was a retrospective and observational study. One hundred and two eyes of 102 patients with high-myopia cataracts were examined. CPS was performed in 54 eyes, and FLACS was performed in 48 eyes. All eyes underwent logMAR BCVA, CFT and CT of three different sectors preoperatively and one week and six months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The logMAR BCVA improved significantly after surgery in both groups (both P < 0.001), but no difference was observed in BCVA improvement between the groups (P = 0.554). Moreover, no significant differences were reflected in the changes in CFT, nasal 1 mm CT or temporal 1 mm CT between the two groups, and only subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) in the CPS group decreased significantly compared with that in the FLACS group at any postoperative time (P = 0.003 and 0.026). AL, preoperative logMAR BCVA, and CT of the three regions exhibited a notable correlation with postoperative BCVA (all P < 0.05) according to univariate logistic regression analysis. However, only the AL, preoperative logMAR BCVA and SFCT remained significant in the multivariate model. Postoperative logMAR BCVA revealed a positive correlation with AL and preoperative logMAR BCVA but a negative correlation with SFCT.

CONCLUSIONS

FLACS was not superior to CPS in improving BCVA but had less impact on SFCT in the treatment of high-myopia cataracts. Eyes with a longer AL, worse preoperative logMAR BCVA and thinner SFCT had a high risk of worse postoperative BCVA.

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus conventional phacoemulsification: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

The main purpose of our study is to compare the adverse events occurrence, complications, and postoperative outcomes of Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) versus conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS) in adult patients undergoing cataract surgery.

METHODS

We conducted our research using PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE through EBSCOhost from 2012 to July 2022 with English and Spanish language restriction, including only Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). The PRISMA guidelines were observed for data abstraction, including a random-effects model for each outcome.

RESULTS

We analyzed 4844 eyes from 23 RCTs with some low risk of bias according to RoB 2 tool. We found statistically significant differences between the FLACS and CPS groups for the mean absolute error (MD = -0.12, 95% CI:-0.22-[-0.02], p = 0.01), the circularity of capsulorhexis (MD = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.04-0.05, p ≤ 0.00001), IOL centration (D = -0.07, 95% CI:-0.09-[-0.05], p ≤ 0.00001), CDE count (MD = -1.75, 95% CI: -2.75-[-0.74], p = 0.0006), mean phacoemulsification time (MD = -12.90, 95% CI:-20.89-[-4.92], p = 0.002), EPT (MD = -0.93, 95% CI: -1.68-[-0.019], p = 0.01) and endothelial cell density loss ((MD = -0.6, 95% CI: -1-[-0.19], p = 0.004). Also, the safety analysis showed a lower incidence of posterior capsule tear (PCT) in the FLACS group (OR =0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-1, p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that FLACS might be helpful for patients with relatively dense cataracts and low preoperative endothelial cell values.

Comparison of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and conventional phacoemulsification on corneal impact: A meta-analysis and systematic review

This meta-analysis aims to compare corneal injuries and function after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS). A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) and high-quality prospective comparative cohort studies comparing FLACS with CPS. Endothelial cell loss percentage (ECL%), central corneal thickness (CCT), endothelial cell density (ECD), endothelial cell loss (ECL), percentage of the hexagonal cell (6A), and coefficient of variance (CoV) were used as an indicator of corneal injury and function. Totally 42 trials (23 RCTs and 19 prospective cohort studies), including 3916 eyes, underwent FLACS, and a total of 3736 eyes underwent CPS. ECL% is significantly lower in the FLACS group at 1-3 days (P = 0.005), 1 week (P = 0.004), 1 month (P<0.0001), 3 months (P = 0.001), and 6 months (P = 0.004) after surgery compared to CPS. ECD and ECL appeared no statistically significant difference between the two groups, except for the significant reduction of ECD at 3 months in the CPS group (P = 0.002). CCT was significantly lower in the FLACS group at 1 week (P = 0.05) and 1 month (P = 0.002) early postoperatively. While at 1-3 days (P = 0.50), 3 months (P = 0.18), and 6 months (P = 0.11), there was no difference between the FLACS group and the CPS group. No significant difference was found in the percentage of hexagonal cells and the coefficient of variance. FLACS, compared with CPS, reduces corneal injury in the early postoperative period. Corneal edema recovered faster in the FLACS group in the early postoperative period. In addition, FLACS may be a better option for patients with corneal dysfunction.

Comparison of Conventional and Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery Regarding Macula Behavior and Thickness

Background: The aim of the study was to compare macular thickness behavior and clinical outcomes after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) versus phacoemulsification conventional surgery (PCS). Methods: Macular Optical Coherence Tomography OCT was analyzed in 42 patients preoperatively, 1 day, 12 days, 4 weeks and 6 weeks postoperatively according to the 9-field Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid. Clinical findings were collected in both the FLACS group and the PCS group. Results: There was no significant difference in macular thickness between the FLACS and PCS groups (p > 0.05). However, from postoperative day 12 onwards, there was a significant increase in macular thickness observed in both groups (p < 0.001). In the FLACS group, a significant increase in visual acuity was observed on the first postoperative day, as compared to the PCS group (p = 0.006). Conclusions: The use of a low-energy high-frequency femtosecond laser has potentially no effect on postoperative macular thickness. In the FLACS group, visual rehabilitation was significantly faster as compared to the PCS group. No complications occurred intraoperatively in either group.

Clinical outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus conventional phacoemulsification: A retrospective study in a tertiary eye care center in South India

Purpose

To compare the clinical outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) versus conventional phacoemulsification (CP) in terms of refractive outcomes, cumulative dissipated energy, and intraoperative complications.

Methods

In this retrospective study performed in a tertiary care ophthalmic hospital, we reviewed 2124 eyes that underwent FLACS or CP. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), and intraoperative complications were analyzed in the study.

Results

Out of 2124 eyes, 873 underwent FLACS and 1251 underwent CP. The postoperative mean UCVA after one month was 0.05 ± 0.11 logMAR and 0.14 ± 0.23 logMAR for FLACS and CP, respectively (P < 0.00001). Mean CDVA one month post operation was 0.02 ± 0.07 logMAR and 0.06 ± 0.19 logMAR for FLACS and CP, respectively (P < 0.0001). The CDE for the FLACS group was 6.17 ± 3.86 (P < 0.00001) and it was 9.74 ± 6.02 for the CP group. The intraoperative complication for the FLACS group was 1.60% and the CP group was 2.39% (P < 0.00001).

Conclusion

The visual outcomes were better in FLACS compared to CP. The CDE was lower for the FLACS group and FLACS had significantly less intraoperative complications.

Correlations of Immediate Corneal Tomography Changes with Preoperative and the Elapsed Phaco Parameters

Purpose

The ability to predict corneal edema and understand its relationship with imaging parameters enables optimization of decision-making in terms of cataract surgery. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the immediate tomographic alterations after phacoemulsification.

Patients and Methods

In this prospective study, we evaluated clinical and corneal tomographic data of 30 patients with cataracts, obtained using a rotating Scheimpflug tomographic system before and after cataract surgery with a phacoemulsification system. Corneal thickness and volume were measured, and Pentacam Nucleus Staging, keratometry, and specular microscopy were performed preoperatively and immediately postoperatively. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre-and postoperative values. We calculated the correlations between the changes in these values and multiple parameters related to phacodynamics, including “ultrasound (US) elapsed” (phaco time), “US average” (average power used), and “US absolute” (energy effectively dissipated, a product of the other two parameters).

Results

There were increases in corneal volume (p<0.0001) and pachymetry (p<0.0001), and a decrease in endothelial cell count (p<0.0001) after surgery. The mean differences in pre- and postoperative specular microscopy, corneal volume, and pachymetry were −335.13±236.21 cells/mm³, 1.33±0.56 mm³, and 61.33±23.73 microns, respectively. The difference in pre-and postoperative corneal volume in patients with US elapsed ≥40 s was 0.75 mm³ greater than that in patients with US elapsed <40 s (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24–1.25; p=0.005); that of pachymetry in patients with US elapsed ≥40 s was 31.76 microns greater than that in patients with US elapsed <40 s (95% CI: 9.55–53.97; p=0.007). Spearman correlation revealed that, for every 1% increase in cataract density, the US average value increased by 0.31% (coef.: 0.3110; 95% CI: 0.0741–0.5490; p=0.012).

Conclusion

Knowledge of Pentacam Nucleus Staging and the effect of US elapsed on differences in corneal volume and pachymetry before and after cataract surgery should be of particular value for surgeons who routinely encounter patients with hard cataracts.

Transitional conic toric intraocular lens evaluation after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery using intraoperative aberrometry

PURPOSE

To assess refractive and visual outcomes following phacoemulsification with femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) using intraoperative aberrometry and implantation of a toric intraocular lens (IOL) in eyes with different degrees of astigmatism.

METHODS

One hundred two eyes of 70 patients who underwent implantation of the transitional toric 565 Precizon IOL (Ophtec BV) were enrolled. FLACS, capsular tension ring insertion, and intraoperative aberrometry were performed. Main outcome measures were refractive error, uncorrected- and corrected distance snellen decimal visual acuity values (UDVA and CDVA, respectively), and IOL rotation. Specifically, a vector analysis was carried out with J0 and J45 evaluation. Eyes were evaluated 1-year after surgery.

RESULTS

Overall, 94.12% (96 eyes) and 100% (102 eyes) of the eyes showed a spherical equivalent (SE) within ± 0.50D and ± 1.00D, respectively. The mean SE and refractive cylinder were - 0.06 ± 0.29D and - 0.23 ± 0.37D, respectively. Vector analysis revealed that 100% of the eyes were within ± 0.50D for the J0 and J45 cylindrical components. The mean toric axis rotation was 1.10 ± 1.71° (from 0° to 5°), 77% (79 eyes), and 100% (102 eyes) of the eyes showed UDVA and CDVA of 20/25, respectively. The postoperative mean values of monocular UDVA and CDVA were 0.88 ± 0.17 and 0.96 ± 0.07 (about 20/20), respectively. No patient required IOL realignment during the postoperative follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that the use of the Precizon IOL after FLACS, using intraoperative aberrometry in patients with different amounts of astigmatism, provides good visual acuity, accurate refractive outcomes, and excellent rotational stability.

The cold eye irrigation BSS solution used during phacoemulsification reduces post-surgery patients discomfort preventing the inflammation

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess whether the intraoperative use of the cold eye irrigation balanced salt solution (BSS) could have a protective effect in preventing the anterior chamber flare and conjunctival hyperemia and, thus, in reducing patients discomfort after phacoemulsification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

About 214 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into: patients whose eye were irrigated with BSS at ~ 20°C (Group 1) and patients whose eye were irrigated with BSS at 2.7°C (Group 2). Anterior chamber flare, visual analogue score and conjunctival hyperemia were evaluated at 1, 3, 5, and 30 days after surgery.

RESULTS

In patients of Group 2 the anterior chamber flare, the visual analogue score and the conjunctival hyperemia, used as parameters to evaluated clinical inflammation, at 1 day after surgery were significantly lower than those in Group 1 who received BSS solution at operating room temperature (p < 0.001), while at day 3, 5, and 30 there were not any significant differences.

CONCLUSION

Our study provided evidence supporting the efficacy of the treatment with cold irrigation solution on reduction of anterior chamber flare, pain and conjunctival hyperemia already at 1 day after phacoemulsification, suggesting that cooling procedure was fully effective at controlling early post-operative inflammation.

Corneal higher-order aberrations after cataract surgery: Manual phacoemulsification versus femtosecond-laser assisted technique

Purpose:

To compare and evaluate corneal higher-order aberrations (c-HOA) between conventional manual phacoemulsification (Phaco), femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with astigmatic keratotomy (FSAK).

Methods:

In this retrospective single center study, 53 healthy individuals with cataract (73 eyes) underwent phacoemulsification with implantation of an intraocular lens. Three groups were formed: group A, Phaco (n = 27 eyes of 21 patients); group B, FLACS (n = 25 eyes of 15 patients); group C, FSAK (n = 21 eyes of 17 patients). An iTrace aberrometer (Tracey Technologies, Houston, TX, USA) was used to perform aberrometry with a pupil scan size of 5.0 mm. We used ANOVA analysis and the paired sample t-test for statistical analysis.

Results:

There was no difference in total c-HOA between the groups prior to surgery (F(2,66) = 2.2, p = 0.128), but some evidence for a difference between the groups after surgery (F(2,65) = 3.87, p = 0.025). After surgery, total c-HOA increased in all groups, but the greatest increase occurred FSAK.

Conclusion:

Manual phacoemulsification and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery seem to have less impact on corneal higher-order aberrations than the combination of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with astigmatic keratotomy.

Comparison of real-world treatment outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and phacoemulsification cataract surgery: A retrospective, observational study from an outpatient clinic in France

PURPOSE

This study compared real-world safety and efficacy outcomes of cataract surgery performed with LenSx femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery or manual phacoemulsification cataract surgery procedures.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study used data from anonymised electronic medical records to compare mean cumulative dissipated energy, the proportion of eyes reaching emmetropia, mean change in best-corrected distance visual acuity and the proportion of eyes with post-surgical complications, including corneal oedema and posterior capsule opacification. Results were adjusted for multiple comparisons for primary and secondary objectives.

RESULTS

Data from 811 phacoemulsification cataract surgery and 496 femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery procedures were analysed. Mean cumulative dissipated energy was significantly lower for femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (6.5 percent-seconds) than for phacoemulsification cataract surgery (14.3 percent-seconds; p < 0.0001) procedures. More femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (81.2%) procedures achieved emmetropia (⩽ 0.5 dioptre) than did phacoemulsification cataract surgery (73.5%) procedures, although this difference was not statistically significant. Mean change in best-corrected distance visual acuity and the proportion of eyes with corneal oedema, posterior capsule opacification or other complications were not significantly different between cohorts when adjusted for multiple comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

In this single-centre, single-surgeon retrospective electronic medical record database study using divide and conquer technique, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery was associated with significantly lower cumulative dissipated energy when compared to manual phacoemulsification cataract surgery. This supports the hypothesis that femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery involves less mechanical trauma, which might lead to more consistent refractive and safety outcomes than manual phacoemulsification cataract surgery, though such outcomes were found to be comparable in this study.

An Alternative Approach to Cataract Surgery Using BSS Temperature of 2.7 °C

The aim of this study is to evaluate the difference in the number of endothelial cells after cataract operations with phacoemulsification by using a balanced salt solution (BSS) at standard temperature (about 20 °C) and at 2.7 °C. Two groups, comprising 214 individuals in total, participated in this study; patients were operated on using BSS bottle at about 20 °C and 2.7 °C in the first and second groups, respectively. All operations were conducted by the same surgeon and in similar conditions. One month after the operations, endothelial cells in the two groups were checked. For patients in Group 2, an important reduction in the loss of endothelial cells was observed.

Effect of femtosecond laser-assisted lens surgery on the optic nerve head and the macula

AIM

To evaluate the effect of femtosecond laser-assisted lens surgery (FLALS; cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange) on the structure of the optic nerve head and the macula.

METHODS

This prospective longitudinal study included healthy eyes undergoing FLALS. Eyes with glaucoma or any other ocular disease that could alter optical coherence tomography results were excluded. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) and macular thickness (MT) were measured preoperatively, 1 and 6mo after surgery using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Changes between preoperative and postoperative values were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 87 eyes of 46 patients were included in this study. Preoperative RNFL, BMO-MRW and MT in microns (µm) were 100.77±10.39, 330.31±49.99 and 276.30±33.39, respectively. Postoperative RNFL, BMO-MRW and MT were 104.74±11.55, 348.32±54.05 and 279.83±22.65 1mo after surgery and 102.93±11.17, 343.11±53.4 and 278.90±22.19 6mo after surgery, respectively; which equals an increase of 3.93%, 5.45% and 1.27%, respectively, 1mo after surgery, and 2.14%, 3.87% and 0.94% 6mo after surgery. The differences between the preoperative and the postoperative RNFL and BMO-MRW values were statistically significant (P<0.001). Regarding MT values, there were not statistically significant differences (P=0.26).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that FLALS does not have a negative impact on the structural status of the optic nerve head in healthy eyes, assessed by SD-OCT. There is a slight increase in the values of RNFL, BMO-MRW and MT 1mo and 6mo after surgery.

Free radical production by femtosecond laser lens irradiation in porcine eyes

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between the generation of free radicals and femtosecond laser lens irradiation.

SETTING

AMO Laboratory, Tokyo, Japan.

DESIGN

Ex vivo studies.

METHODS

Hydroxyphenyl fluorescein (HPF) was injected into the anterior chamber of fresh 6-month-old porcine cadaver eyes (N = 31). After laser irradiation, a plate reader was used to measure the fluorescence of the aqueous humor samples. Relative fluorescence units (RFU) were calculated by subtracting the average control value from the measured values of all the samples. Experiment 1: After determining the RFU in the 7 laser-irradiated eyes, the relationship with the amount of laser energy was then assessed. Experiment 2: To clarify the issue regarding the degree of attenuation of the fluorescence intensity, HPF was simultaneously injected into 2 eyes, with 1 eye irradiated and the other eye used as a control. After dividing the RFU of the laser-irradiated eye by the control RFU, the laser irradiation-control RFU ratio was calculated, and the relationship with the laser irradiation energy amount then assessed.

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation between the femtosecond laser lens irradiation energy and the RFU in the aqueous humor (P < .05, analysis of variance).

CONCLUSIONS

Femtosecond laser lens irradiation increases the quantity of free radicals in the aqueous humor, with the extent of the increase dependent on the amount of laser energy. These results suggest that excessive laser irradiation during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery might cause corneal endothelial damage because of the free radicals created during the procedure.

Correcting astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery: Toric IOLs and corneal relaxing incisions planned with an image-guidance system and intraoperative aberrometer versus manual planning and surgery

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes of the combination of an image-guided system and intraoperative aberrometer with the surgeon's standard of care in correcting astigmatism using toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) or corneal incisions.

SETTING

Single site in United States.

DESIGN

Prospective case series.

METHODS

Contralateral eyes of patients having uncomplicated bilateral cataract surgery and astigmatism correction were randomly assigned to Group A or Group B. Group A received the surgeon's preferred standard of care. Group B had preoperative planning using an image-guidance system (VERION), intraoperative aberrometry (ORA System with VerifEye+), and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. The primary endpoint was the residual refractive astigmatism at 3 months.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight eyes were treated with toric IOLs and 40 eyes with corneal astigmatic incisions. On average, toric IOLs resulted in almost 0.25 diopter (D) less cylinder than corneal astigmatic incisions (P < .01), with no difference between groups (P = .41). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean spherical equivalent refraction by group (P = .51). At 3 months, the IOL in 4 eyes (11%) (2 in Group A and Group B each) was more than 10 degrees of absolute orientation from the intended orientation. The mean keratometry was 0.16 D higher with the image-guided system compared with optical biometry (Lenstar). The vector difference between the 2 measurements was 0.5 D or lower in all eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined use of an image-guided system and intraoperative aberrometer did not significantly improve outcomes compared with the surgeon's standard of care. Based on keratometry, there was good agreement in corneal astigmatism measurements between the image-guided system and the optical biometer.

Performance of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery in Chinese patients with cataract: a prospective, multicenter, registry study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the completion rate, visual performance, and adverse outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) in Chinese patients.

METHODS

This is a prospective, single-arm, multicenter registry study of 19 cataract surgery clinics in China. Chinese patients with cataract who underwent FLACS using the Alcon LenSx® laser system in single eye (n = 1140) or both eyes (n = 201) were enrolled and data were collected between March 2015 and August 2016. Clinical characteristics were recorded before surgery, and on postoperative days 1, 7, and 30. For surgery on both eyes, the second eye was included in the analysis only if it was operated within 30 days after the first eye surgery. The primary outcome was the completion rate of circular anterior capsulotomy. Secondary outcomes for lens fragmentation, corneal incision, and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation included best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) and completion rates. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded.

RESULTS

The completion rates of circular anterior capsulotomy, lens fragmentation, corneal incision, and IOL implantation were 98.6% (95% CI: 97.8-99.1%), 99.5% (95% CI: 99.1-99.8%), 97.6% (95% CI: 96.7-98.3%), and 100% (95% CI: 99.8-100%), respectively. BCDVA preoperatively and at postoperative day 30 were 1.134 ± 0.831 logMAR and 0.158 ± 0.291 logMAR, respectively. The proportion of eyes with BCDVA of 20/20 or better was 1.6% at baseline and 41.3% at postoperative day 30. AE incidence was 0.32%, with posterior capsule rupture present in 0.19% of eyes.

CONCLUSION

FLACS using the LenSx® laser system can achieve satisfactory results in a real-world setting.

Comparison of diathermic high-frequency capsulorhexis and continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis in white cataract surgery

AIM

To compare the corneal endothelial cell counts pre- and post-operation, ultrastructure of anterior lens capsule and surgical completion after diathermic high-frequency capsulorhexis (DHC) and continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (CCC) applied in phacoemulsification (PHACO) of white cataract surgery.

METHODS

Sixty-six eyes of 66 patients (33 males and 33 females) with cataract aged between 60 and 80y (mean 72.5±5.5) were recruited and undergone the surgery from June 2014 to November 2016. Anterior lens capsule, derived from two kinds of capsulorhexis, were randomly divided into two groups according to random number table. The ultrastructure of the capsule edge and its closer tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and optical microscopy respectively. The surgical completion conditions and corneal endothelial cell counts were analyzed pre- and post-operation after two capsulorhexis.

RESULTS

The capsule derived from CCC had smooth edge, well-organized cellular structure and the cells filling into the cutting edge under TEM and optical microscopy. The capsule derived from DHC had an approximate 60 banded area of cell degeneration and necrosis, with dentiform prominences at the edge of the capsule, and no cell structure was observed at this area. The corneal endothelial cell counts of both groups were slightly declined 1wk post-operation compared with that of pre-operation. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (t=1.63, P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

DHC shows good clinical value in white mature and hypermature cataract surgery.

Contralateral eye comparison of the phacoemulsification metrics, patient experience and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing bilateral cataract surgery with two commonly used femtosecond laser systems

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to compare phacometrics, patient experience factors and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing bilateral laser-assisted cataract surgery using two common femtosecond laser platforms.

Setting

This study was conducted in Beverly Hills Institute of Ophthalmology, Beverly Hills, California, USA.

Study design

This was a prospective, comparative, contralateral eye study.

Methods

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery was performed in the first eye of 50 patients with bilateral cataract (mean age 69.9 ± 8.61 years) using either the Catalys (Johnson & Johnson Vision) or the LenSx (Alcon Laboratories, Inc.) laser system. The fellow eye was treated with the laser not used in the first eye. The primary outcome measures included overall procedural times, and the secondary outcome measures included patient experience with the two laser systems.

Results

There were no statistical differences between the two groups in terms of patient interface preparation time and number of docking attempts as well as effective phaco time, average phaco power, total ultrasound time and nucleus removal time. However, the LenSx group demonstrated a significantly longer cortex removal time and higher perception of pressure and vision loss (p < 0.001) compared to the Catalys group. A significantly higher number of Catalys eyes achieved complete capsulotomy (p < 0.001). The ease of cortex removal was also better in the Catalys group. Postoperative visual acuity, keratometry, endothelial cell count and intraocular pressure were comparable in the two groups.

Conclusion

With similar phacometric and clinical outcomes, both laser platforms were efficient, safe and effective during cataract surgery; however, the Catalys group demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of the patient experience, completeness of capsulotomy and ease of cortex removal.

Reviewing the visual benefits of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery: Can we improve our outcomes?

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) was introduced in 2009 and has increasingly been incorporated into surgical practice. The automation of three key aspects of cataract surgery was expected to deliver a significant improvement in both refractive and safety outcomes. The published literature has not yet shown consistent refractive improvement above conventional techniques. The purpose of this paper is to review current FLACS refractive outcomes and explore factors that may have contributed to the current findings and whether future improvements are possible.

Outcomes study between femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and conventional phacoemulsification surgery using an active fluidics system

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare intraoperative parameters between femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and conventional phacoemulsification using Centurion^® Vision System with Active Fluidics.

Setting

This study was performed at Brasília Ophthalmologic Hospital, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil.

Patients and methods

This was a prospective randomized comparative study. Patients with the diagnosis of cataract and surgical extraction programmed were divided into two groups: conventional phacoemulsification and FLACS. Intraoperative data were collected and submitted for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 400 eyes were enrolled, 200 in each group. There were no surgical complications. Groups were statistically equivalent in age and nucleus density. Cumulative dissipated energy and torsional time were significantly reduced in the FLACS group. Conventional surgery had less fluid usage, total case time and aspiration (ASP) time.

Conclusion

FLACS with Active Fluidics System can reduce the ultrasound energy use during cataract surgery, in spite of increasing case time, fluid usage and ASP time.