Open AccessA Review of Laser-Assisted Versus Traditional Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery
Author(s) -
H. Burkhard Dick,
Tim Schultz
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
ophthalmology and therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2193-6528
pISSN - 2193-8245
DOI - 10.1007/s40123-017-0080-z
Subject(s) - phacoemulsification , medicine , cataract surgery , refractive surgery , ophthalmology , glaucoma , cornea , laser , surgery , lens (geology) , visual acuity , optics , physics
The use of femtosecond laser surgery improves the precision and reproducibility of corneal incisions and the capsular opening; it also reduces the amount of ultrasound energy required for lens nucleus work-up. The rate of complications reported so far appears to be low. There are a number of contraindications such as a history of cornea and/or glaucoma surgery and certain anatomical features like deep-set eyes, kyphosis, tremor, and obesity. Visual recovery and refractive results of both techniques are excellent. Comparing laser cataract surgery (LCS) with manual cataract surgery (conventional phacoemulsification) based on meta-analysis currently reveals slight differences in refractive and visual outcome. Both methods are extremely successful and safe. LCS is a technique still on the rise, with its full potential not yet tapped.