Anterior lens capsulotomy using the holmium YAG laser in pig cadaver eyes

Anterior lens capsulotomy was performed on pig cadaver eyes using the evaporation and coagulation functions of the holmium YAG laser. Laser energy ranging from 50 to 80 mJ was delivered to the lens-capsule surface by a 26-gauge fiber-optic quartz needle probe. In eight of 10 eyes, a tear-free, 4.0-millimeter-diameter circular capsulotomy was achieved, through which endocapsular phacoemulsification and aspiration were performed and a posterior chamber intraocular lens with a 6.5-millimeter-diameter optic was placed inside the lens capsule. Throughout the procedure, capsular integrity was maintained in all eight eyes, with no tearing at the capsular margin.