[Femtolaser-assisted phacoemulsification of intumescent cataract]
E S Pirogova1, O L Fabrikantov1,2, S I Nikolashin1,2
1Tambov branch of the S.N. Fedorov National Medical Research Center «MNTK «Eye Microsurgery», Tambov, Russia.
Vestnik Oftalmologii
|March 2, 2022
Summary
An optimized femtosecond laser technique for intumescent cataract surgery significantly reduces complications. This new method prevents lens material leakage and ensures precise capsulorhexis during phacoemulsification.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Technology
- Laser Medicine
Background:
- Intumescent cataracts present surgical challenges during phacoemulsification.
- Standard femtosecond laser techniques may lead to complications like anterior capsule tears and lens material leakage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification for intumescent cataracts.
- To evaluate a novel technique for femto-capsulorhexis in challenging cataract cases.
Main Methods:
- A new femtolaser-assisted phacoemulsification technique was applied to 30 eyes with intumescent cataracts.
- The optimized technique involved pressure assessment, capsule staining, viscoelastic use, and increased laser energy (10 mJ) for capsulorhexis.
- A control group (20 eyes) underwent standard femtolaser procedures.
Main Results:
- The optimized technique resulted in only 2 cases of anterior capsule non-penetration (6.7%).
- No instances of lens material leakage or floating anterior capsule were observed with the optimized technique.
- The standard technique showed higher rates of anterior capsule non-penetration (30%), floating capsule (25%), and lens material leakage (45%).
Conclusions:
- The optimized femtosecond laser technique effectively prevents lens material leakage during intumescent cataract surgery.
- This technique enables precise anterior capsulorhexis of a predetermined size and shape, improving surgical outcomes.
