Use of Femtosecond Lasers to Transect IOL Prior to Explantation: In Vitro Study
Purpose
To determine if IOLs can be transacted by femtosecond lasers. To determine the optimal settings for this purpose. To study detect particulate matter and gasses generated by this process. To perform the procedure in a cadaver if human eye.
Methods
Hydrophobic acrylic (Alcon Acrysof IQ sn60wf) and hydrophilic acrylic (Mplus, Oculentis) were transected using a Lensx laser. The particles and gases generated were detected using total organic carbon analysis and liquid gas chromatography.
Results
IOLs Canberra transected by laser using as little as 1micro Joule. No particulate matter was detected following laser transection. At low energy levels no gasses were detected. However at 12 micro Joules toxic gasses such as Benzene were detected.
Conclusion
It may be possible to transect IOLs to allow easy explanation of multifocal lenses following cataract surgery. Further animal studies are needed to confirm the safety of this application.