Impact of Active Fluidics System on RNFL and GCL in Phacoemulsification.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Imaging
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Cataract surgery aims to restore vision but can potentially affect retinal structures.
• Evaluating the impact of surgical systems on retinal layers is crucial for patient safety and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of low-pressure Active Fluidics cataract surgery on the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL).
• To investigate early postoperative structural changes and safety outcomes following cataract surgery.

Main Methods:

• Phacoemulsification using the Alcon Centurion Vision System with Active Fluidics was performed on patients with age-related cataracts.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) was used for macular GCL and peripapillary RNFL evaluation before and after surgery.
• Visual field (VF) tests were conducted preoperatively and postoperatively to assess retinal function.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant changes were observed in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness.
• A significant increase in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was noted in several sectors post-surgery.
• Computerized visual field (VF) tests showed variations, but these did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions:

• Cataract surgery with the Alcon Centurion Vision System and Active Fluidics demonstrated safety with minimal retinal damage.
• The observed RNFL increase is likely an artifact of pre-operative lens opacification, not surgical impact.
• The system supports reliable long-term surgical results with no significant impact on GCL or retinal function.