Abstract
The introduction of femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) is a paradigm changing approach in cataract surgery, the most commonly performed surgical procedure. FLACS has the potential to optimize the creation of an anterior lens capsulotomy, a critical step in accessing the cataractous lens. The merits of using a laser instead of a manual approach include a potentially more circular, consistent, and stronger aperture. In this study we demonstrated for the first time in both a porcine and human experimental setting that with a low energy, high repetition FLACS system, that a circular, smooth and strong capsulotomy was achievable. While there was no demonstrable difference in the resistance to rupture before or after the removal of the nucleus, larger capsulotomies had an increase in tensile strength. The LDV Z8 system appeared to create circular, rupture-resistant and smooth capsulotomies in both porcine and more importantly human globes.
Highlights
The introduction of femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) is a paradigm changing approach in cataract surgery, the most commonly performed surgical procedure
The advent of many different and alternative Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) platforms, predominantly operating in the micro joule energy range, has led to conflicting data regarding the efficacy of capsulotomy formation and utility[9]
To our knowledge this is the first study to offer a comprehensive evaluation of capsulotomy size, circularity, edge and strength under differing conditions with a low energy, high repetition FLACS platform
Summary
The introduction of femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) is a paradigm changing approach in cataract surgery, the most commonly performed surgical procedure. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical interventions worldwide, with 15 million procedures performed per annum globally[2,3,4] This is conventionally achieved through small-incision surgery combined with phacoemulsification and removal of lens material prior to insertion of an intra-ocular lens (IOL). In particular the advent of femtosecond laser technology offers a potentially more consistent and reliable means of achieving the anterior lens capsule opening, re-named capsulotomy. This may ‘reduce and flatten the learning curve’ in one of the critical steps during surgery for trainees[7]. Concern over tags has been raised with FLACS not least as they may be complicated further by www.nature.com/scientificreports/
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