Analysis of Phacoemulsification Parameters in Femtosecond Laser–Assisted Cataract Surgery: Comparative Study With Conventional Cataract Surgery
Purpose
Femtosecond Laser assisted cataract surgery is known to ease phacoemulsification with nucleofractis procedure as well as to provide precise corneal incision and lens capsulorhexis in an automated fashion. The purpose of this study is to analyse the phacoemulsification parameters and outcomes in femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) relative to conventional cataract surgery.
Methods
Seventeen eyes with FLACS and 28 eyes with conventional cataract surgery were included. All the cataract surgeries were performed by a seasoned surgeon with torsional phacoemulsification device. Divide and conquer technique was used in conventional cataract surgery. Phacoemulsification parameters such as changes of central corneal thickness during the operation, total phaco-time, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), infusion fluid used, and phaco-energy were measured in two groups.
Results
In comparison of used infusion fluid, FLACS group (56.1±9.4 ml) was showed to require statistically significant smaller amount of fluid than conventional cataract surgery group (66.7±11.2 ml) (p<0.05). In comparison of CDE, FLACS group (5.16±2.6 power x s) tends to spend less power than conventional one (6.91±3.7 power x s) but, in statistical significance (p=0.14). In comparison of total phaco-time, average phaco power, changes of central corneal thickness, however, differences between two groups did not have statistical significance (p=0.50, 0.61, 0.31).
Conclusion
In comparison of phacoemulsification parameters and outcomes in FLACS and conventional cataract surgery, used infusion fluid was required statistically significant smaller amount in FLACS group. In comparison of CDE, total phaco-time, average phaco power, changes of central corneal thickness, FLACS group showed better results, but not with statistical significance due to smaller sample size.