Cushioning Posterior Polar Cataract: Femtosecond-Laser-Based Approach
Narrative Responses:
Purpose
To describe a novel approach for posterior polar cataract emulsification using the femtosecond laser, that completely enables the need for any hydroprocedure
Methods
A modified technique for posterior polar cataract removal was performed using Femtosecond laser-assisted lens removal in 25 eyes. Femtosecond laser(Lensx ,Alcon,USA) was used to create3 concentric,cylindrical zones of division within the lens.No hydroprocedure was performed, including hydrodissection or hydrodelineation.Using appropriate ultrasound energy and a low aspiration flow rate, the 3 cylindrical zones were removed one after the other, from centre to periphery.This allowed a thick epinucleus cushion protecting the polar opacity until the very end of lens removal.Incidence of posterior capsule rupture during surgery was documented.Difficulty in removal of these layers was assessed subjectively using a questionnaire
Results
Ongoing study, results will be updated. Surgery was performed by a single surgeon using a standardized technique. Mean age of patients was 39.5+2.3 years. In 15 eyes of 15 patients with posterior polar cataracts, the femtosecond laser could predictably create cylinders of desired width. None of the eyes had a posterior capsule rupture during surgery. The surgeon could remove the 3 layers of the nucleus without any difficulty in all eyes.
Conclusion
The use of femtosecond lasers during posterior polar cataract surgery allows creation of customized, multilayered cushion of nucleus and epinucleus that protects the fragile posterior capsule until the final stages of lens removal, thus enhancing safety of the surgery.