Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery compared with phacoemulsification: the FACT non-inferiority RCT

Update on Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery: A Review

The advent of femtosecond lasers has resulted in a new standard in cataract surgery, intended to overmatch the paradigm of conventional phacoemulsification. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) enables a higher level of reproducibility, precision, accuracy, and customization when performing several steps of cataract (or lens) surgery. Capsulotomy, corneal incisions, lens fragmentation, and arcuate incisions are the main procedures performed using FLACS. As the demand for better refractive outcomes and spectacle independence increases, the features of FLACS are highly relevant, especially when considering the implantation of premium intraocular lenses, such as toric, enhanced depth-of-focus, or multifocal lenses. The present article reviews the state of the art of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract (lens) surgery, contemplating the advantages and limitations of the two types of femtosecond laser pulses available (high and low energy) by evaluating their reported outcomes and complications.

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus conventional phacoemulsification: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

The main purpose of our study is to compare the adverse events occurrence, complications, and postoperative outcomes of Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) versus conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS) in adult patients undergoing cataract surgery.

METHODS

We conducted our research using PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE through EBSCOhost from 2012 to July 2022 with English and Spanish language restriction, including only Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). The PRISMA guidelines were observed for data abstraction, including a random-effects model for each outcome.

RESULTS

We analyzed 4844 eyes from 23 RCTs with some low risk of bias according to RoB 2 tool. We found statistically significant differences between the FLACS and CPS groups for the mean absolute error (MD = -0.12, 95% CI:-0.22-[-0.02], p = 0.01), the circularity of capsulorhexis (MD = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.04-0.05, p ≤ 0.00001), IOL centration (D = -0.07, 95% CI:-0.09-[-0.05], p ≤ 0.00001), CDE count (MD = -1.75, 95% CI: -2.75-[-0.74], p = 0.0006), mean phacoemulsification time (MD = -12.90, 95% CI:-20.89-[-4.92], p = 0.002), EPT (MD = -0.93, 95% CI: -1.68-[-0.019], p = 0.01) and endothelial cell density loss ((MD = -0.6, 95% CI: -1-[-0.19], p = 0.004). Also, the safety analysis showed a lower incidence of posterior capsule tear (PCT) in the FLACS group (OR =0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-1, p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that FLACS might be helpful for patients with relatively dense cataracts and low preoperative endothelial cell values.

Cataract Grade and Pupil: Comparison Between Conventional Phacoemulsification and Low-Energy Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery

Purpose

This study presents a comparison of pupil changes according to cataract grade between low-energy femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and conventional phacoemulsification (CP) in the same patient.

Patients and Methods

Data from surgical records from patients submitted to cataract surgery with CP in one eye and FLACS in the other were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criterion was both eyes of the same patient having the same cataract grade in accordance with Lens Opacity Classification System (LOCS) III. Total pupil variation (TPV) was measured after recorded images, with intraindividual comparison between techniques, according to cataract grade (≤3 and >3), age and cumulative dissipated energy (CDE).

Results

The study included a total of 124 eyes of 62 patients (mean age 72.65 ± 7.64 years). Analysis showed a statistically significant difference in TPV between techniques in the grade ≤3 cataract group (0.08 ± 0.22 mm²; p=0.034), with less pupil narrowing with FLACS, but not in the grade >3 group (0.01 ± 0.23 mm²; p=0.849). Regarding CDE, a significant difference (p<0.001) was found between techniques in both softer and harder cataracts, with lower values for FLACS. Correlation between CDE and TPV was significant for CP (p=0.021) but not for FLACS (p=0.922). TPV was significantly lower in older patients (age >74 years) for both techniques (p<0.001).

Conclusion

There was a statistically significant difference between techniques (although of mild clinical relevance), with less reduction of pupil area with FLACS in softer cataracts (grade ≤3), as compared to CP. Higher levels of CDE are associated with more pupil narrowing in CP.

Cost Utility and Value of Information Analysis of Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery

Importance

The efficacy and safety of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery is well documented. An important requirement for decision makers is the evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) over a sufficiently long horizon. Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of this treatment was a preplanned secondary objective of the Economic Evaluation of Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FEMCAT) trial.

Objective

To estimate the cost utility of FLACS compared with phacoemulsification cataract surgery (PCS) on a 12-month time horizon.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter randomized clinical trial compared FLACS with PCS in parallel groups. All FLACS procedures were performed using the CATALYS precision system. Participants were recruited and treated in ambulatory surgery settings in 5 university-hospital centers in France. All consecutive patients eligible for a unilateral or bilateral cataract surgery 22 years or older with written informed consent were included. Data were collected from October 2013 to October 2018, and data were analyzed from January 2020 to June 2022.

Interventions

FLACS or PCS.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Utility was measured through the Health Utility Index questionnaire. Costs of cataract surgery were estimated by microcosting. All inpatient and outpatient costs were collected from the French National Health Data System.

Results

Of 870 randomized patients, 543 (62.4%) were female, and the mean (SD) age at surgery was 72.3 (8.6) years. A total of 440 patients were randomized to receive FLACS and 430 to receive PCS; the rate of bilateral surgery was 63.3% (551 of 870). The mean (SD) costs of cataract surgery were €1124.0 (€162.2; US $1235) for FLACS and €565.5 (€61.4; US $621) for PCS. The total mean (SD) cost of care at 12 months was €7085 (€6700; US $7787) in participants treated with FLACS and €6502 (€7323; US $7146) in participants treated with PCS. FLACS yielded a mean (SD) of 0.788 (0.009) quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and PCS yielded 0.792 (0.009) QALYs. The difference in mean costs was €545.9 (95% CI, -434.1 to 1525.8; US $600), and the difference in QALYs was -0.004 (95% CI, -0.028 to 0.021). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was -€136 476 (US $150 000) per QALY. The cost-effectiveness probability of FLACS compared with PCS was 15.7% for a cost-effectiveness threshold of €30 000 (US $32 973) per QALY. At this threshold, the expected value of perfect information was €246 139 079 (US $270 530 231).

Conclusions and Relevance

The ICER of FLACS compared with PCS was not within the $50 000 to $100 000 per QALY range frequently cited as cost-effective. Additional research and development on FLACS is needed to improve its effectiveness and lower its price.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01982006.

Laser-assisted cataract surgery versus standard ultrasound phacoemulsification cataract surgery

BACKGROUND

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world and, as such, cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed operations globally. Surgical techniques have changed dramatically over the past half century with associated improvements in outcomes and safety. Femtosecond lasers can be used to perform the key steps in cataract surgery, such as corneal incisions, lens capsulotomy and fragmentation. The potential advantage of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) is greater precision and reproducibility of these steps compared to manual techniques. The disadvantages are the costs associated with FLACS technology.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness and safety of FLACS with standard ultrasound phacoemulsification cataract surgery (PCS) by gathering evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register; 2022, Issue 5); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; LILACS; the ISRCTN registry; ClinicalTrials.gov; the WHO ICTRP and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 10 May 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs where FLACS was compared to PCS.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three review authors independently screened the search results, assessed risk of bias and extracted data using the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. The primary outcome for this review was intraoperative complications in the operated eye, namely anterior capsule, and posterior capsule tears. The secondary outcomes included corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), quality of vision (as measured by any validated patient-reported outcome measure (PROM)), postoperative cystoid macular oedema complications, endothelial cell loss and cost-effectiveness. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 42 RCTs conducted in Europe, North America, South America and Asia, which enrolled a total of 7298 eyes of 5831 adult participants. Overall, the studies were at unclear or high risk of bias. In 16 studies the authors reported financial links with the manufacturer of the laser platform evaluated in their studies. Thirteen of the studies were within-person (paired-eye) studies with one eye allocated to one procedure and the other eye allocated to the other procedure. These studies were reported ignoring the paired nature of the data. There was low-certainty evidence of little or no difference in the odds of developing anterior capsular tears when comparing FLACS and PCS (Peto odds ratio (OR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 1.72; 5835 eyes, 27 studies) There was one fewer anterior capsule tear per 1000 operations in the FLACS group compared with the PCS group (95% CI 4 fewer to 3 more).  There was low-certainty evidence of lower odds of developing posterior capsular tears with FLACS compared to PCS (Peto OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.00; 5767 eyes, 26 studies). There were four fewer posterior capsule tears per 1000 operations in the FLACS group compared with the PCS group (95% CI 6 fewer to same).  There was moderate-certainty evidence of a very small advantage for the FLACS arm with regard to CDVA at six months or more follow-up, (mean difference (MD) -0.01 logMAR, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.00; 1323 eyes, 7 studies). This difference is equivalent to 1 logMAR letter between groups and is not thought to be clinically important. From the three studies (1205 participants) reporting a variety of PROMs (Cat-PROMS, EQ-5D, EQ-SD-3L, Catquest9-SF and patient survey) up to three months following surgery, there was moderate-certainty evidence of little or no difference in the various parameters between the two treatment arms. There was low-certainty evidence of little or no difference in the odds of developing cystoid macular oedema when comparing FLACS and PCS (Peto OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.28; 4441 eyes, 18 studies). There were three fewer cystoid macular oedema cases per 1000 operations in the FLACS group compared with the PCS group (95% CI 10 fewer to 6 more).  In one study the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) (cost difference divided by quality-adjusted life year (QALY) difference) was GBP £167,620 when comparing FLACS to PCS. In another study, the ICER was EUR €10,703 saved per additional patient who had treatment success with PCS compared to FLACS. Duration ranged from three minutes in favour of FLACS to eight minutes in favour of PCS (I2 = 100%, 11 studies) (low-certainty evidence).  There was low-certainty evidence of little or no important difference in endothelial cell loss when comparing FLACS with PCS (MD 12 cells per mm2 in favour of FLACS, 95% CI -40 to 64; 1512 eyes, 10 studies).  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review of 42 studies provides evidence that there is probably little or no difference between FLACS and PCS in terms of intraoperative and postoperative complications, postoperative visual acuity and quality of life. Evidence from two studies suggests that FLACS may be the less cost-effective option. Many of the included studies only investigated very specific outcome measures such as effective phacoemulsification time, endothelial cell count change or aqueous flare, rather than those directly related to patient outcomes. Standardised reporting of complications and visual and refractive outcomes for cataract surgery would facilitate future synthesis, and guidance on this has been recently published.

Comparison of endothelial cell loss in diabetic patients after conventional phacoemulsification and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery

PURPOSE

This study aims to comparatively evaluate the morphological changes of the cornea after phacoemulsification (PHACO) and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) without intercurrences in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A total of 95 diabetic patients with moderate cataracts (N2 + and N3+), 47 undergoing PHACO and 48 undergoing FLACS, were selected randomly for the study. Surgeries were performed by a single surgeon between July 2021 and December 2021. Cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) and total balanced saline solution (BSS) data were obtained at the end of each surgery. Changes in corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) at three months postoperatively were investigated.

RESULTS

After three months, evidence is lacking between groups in the CCT measures; the difference was neither statistically nor clinically relevant. However, for ECD, a significant and clinically significant difference was found; if all patients were treated with laser, the mean ECD would be 423.55 greater (RSE: 86.09; p-value < 0.001; 95% CI: 254.81-592.29) than the ECD potential means of 1656.423 among the conventional group (RSE: 74.90; p-value < 0.001; 95% CI: 1509.62-1803.23).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetic patients under treatment with moderate cataracts may predispose themselves to a more significant loss of endothelial cells after conventional phacoemulsification than femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

It was registered at The Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) with the code RBR-6d8whb5 (UTN code: U1111-1277-6020) on 17/05/2022.

Comparison of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and conventional phacoemulsification on corneal impact: A meta-analysis and systematic review

This meta-analysis aims to compare corneal injuries and function after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS). A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) and high-quality prospective comparative cohort studies comparing FLACS with CPS. Endothelial cell loss percentage (ECL%), central corneal thickness (CCT), endothelial cell density (ECD), endothelial cell loss (ECL), percentage of the hexagonal cell (6A), and coefficient of variance (CoV) were used as an indicator of corneal injury and function. Totally 42 trials (23 RCTs and 19 prospective cohort studies), including 3916 eyes, underwent FLACS, and a total of 3736 eyes underwent CPS. ECL% is significantly lower in the FLACS group at 1-3 days (P = 0.005), 1 week (P = 0.004), 1 month (P<0.0001), 3 months (P = 0.001), and 6 months (P = 0.004) after surgery compared to CPS. ECD and ECL appeared no statistically significant difference between the two groups, except for the significant reduction of ECD at 3 months in the CPS group (P = 0.002). CCT was significantly lower in the FLACS group at 1 week (P = 0.05) and 1 month (P = 0.002) early postoperatively. While at 1-3 days (P = 0.50), 3 months (P = 0.18), and 6 months (P = 0.11), there was no difference between the FLACS group and the CPS group. No significant difference was found in the percentage of hexagonal cells and the coefficient of variance. FLACS, compared with CPS, reduces corneal injury in the early postoperative period. Corneal edema recovered faster in the FLACS group in the early postoperative period. In addition, FLACS may be a better option for patients with corneal dysfunction.

FLACS vs conventional phacoemulsification by junior cataract surgeons: randomized trial

PURPOSE

To report intraoperative performance and postoperative outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and conventional phacoemulsification (PE) in the hands of junior surgeons.

SETTING

Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

DESIGN

Prospective single-masked randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

320 eyes (320 patients) undergoing cataract surgery for uneventful cataracts in the hands of junior surgeons were randomized to Group 1-FLACS or Group 2-PE. Intraoperatively, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) and fluid used were compared. Postoperatively, the following were compared: central corneal thickness (CCT) on day 1, 1 week, and 1 month; corneal clarity (day 1 and 1 week); anterior chamber inflammation (day 1 and 1 week); change in endothelial cell density (ECD) at 6 months postoperatively; and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively.

RESULTS

157 and 158 patients in groups 1 and 2 analysed. Intraoperatively, CDE (5.41 ± 2.73 vs 8.83 ± 4.28 in Groups 1 and 2, P = .0001) and fluid used (79.33 ± 33.46 vs 101.82 ± 32.23 mL in Groups 1 and 2, P < .0001) were significantly lesser in Group 1. CCT was significantly higher in Group 2 on day 1 (550.96 ± 33.64 vs 587.70 ± 55.76 μm in Groups 1 and 2, P < .0001) and at 1 week postoperatively (527.94 ± 30.78 vs 545.11 ± 35.17 μm in Groups 1 and 2, P = .001). 72% of eyes had clear corneas on day 1 in Group 1 compared with 39% in Group 2 ( P = .01). Anterior chamber inflammation and CDVA were comparable. Change in ECD was significantly lower (9.3%) in Group 1 vs 12.7% in Group 2, P < .0001.

CONCLUSIONS

FLACS showed lower intraoperative CDE, fluid usage, lesser increase in CCT, better early postoperative corneal clarity, and lesser change in ECD at 6 months postoperatively in the hands of junior surgeons during standard cataract surgery.

Comparative visual outcomes of EDOF intraocular lens with FLACS vs conventional phacoemulsification

PURPOSE

To investigate the visual quality after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS) with the implantation of an extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL) TECNIS Symfony.

SETTING

Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Patients were given the option to choose FLACS or CPS and were implanted with a TECNIS Symfony. Main outcome measures were postoperative examinations that included defocus curves, contrast sensitivity (CS), optic path difference aberrometry scan, anterior segment photography, and questionnaires.

RESULTS

261 patients (261 eyes) were enrolled. The circularity index of FLACS was more precise than that of CPS ( P = .001). FLACS demonstrated a significantly lower IOL decentration ( P = .011) and IOL tilt ( P = .009). FLACS presented a significantly lower total aberration ( P < .001), higher-order aberrations (HOAs) ( P = .001), coma ( P = .001), and spherical aberration ( P < .001). With IOL decentration of more than 0.40 mm, total internal aberration ( P = .023) and HOAs ( P = .045) were significantly deteriorated. As for defocus curve, FLACS was better at -1.00 diopter ( P < .01). The FLACS group achieved higher CS at 6 to 18 cycles per degree under glare condition ( P < .05). With regard to photic phenomena, the FLACS group received better outcomes ( P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

With the implantation of an EDOF IOL, FLACS could precisely control the shape and size of the capsulotomy and induce a significantly better-centered IOL, leading to higher visual performance compared with CPS.

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery: Update and perspectives

Cataract surgery is among the most frequently performed surgical procedures worldwide and has a tremendous impact on patients' quality of life. Phacoemulsification (PCS) is accepted as a standard of care; its technique has continuously evolved and already achieved good anatomical, visual, and refractive outcomes. Lasers in ophthalmology are widely used in clinical practice, femtosecond lasers (FSLs) for corneal surgery in particular. It was natural to assess the usefulness of FSL in cataract surgery as this technology was within reach. Indeed, precise and reproducible cuttings provided by FSL platforms could improve standardization of care and limit the risk associated with the human element in surgery and provide a step toward robot-assisted surgery. After docking and planning the procedure, femtosecond lasers are used to perform corneal incisions, capsulorhexis, lens fragmentation, and arcuate incisions in an automated manner. A well-constructed corneal incision is primordial as it offers safety during the procedure, self-seals afterward, and influences the refractive outcome. Capsulorhexis size, centration, and resistance to shearing influence the surgery, intraocular lens (IOL) centration and stability, and posterior capsular opacification formation. Lens fragmentation is where most of the energy is delivered into the eye, and its amount influences endothelial cell damage and potential damage to other ocular structures. The arcuate incisions offer an additional opportunity to influence postoperative astigmatism. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) has been a topic of research in many studies and clinical trials that attempted to assess its potential benefits and cost-effectiveness over PCS and is the subject of this mini-review.

Precise Detection of Cataracts with Specific High-Risk Factors by Layered Binary Co-Ionizers Assisted Aqueous Humor Metabolic Analysis

Diabetes and high myopia as well-known high-risk factors can aggravate cataracts, yet clinical coping strategy remains a bottleneck. Metabolic analysis tends to be powerful for precisely detection and mechanism exploration since most of diseases including cataracts are accompanied by metabolic disorder. Herein, a layered binary co-ionizers assisted aqueous humor metabolic analysis tool is proposed for potentially etiological typing and detection of cataracts, including age-related cataracts (ARC), cataracts with diabetes mellitus (CDM), and cataracts with high myopia (CHM). Startlingly, taking advantage of the optimal machine learning algorithm and all metabolic fingerprints, 100% of accuracy, precision, and recall rates are achieved for arbitrary comparison between groups. Moreover, 11, 9, and 7 key metabolites with explicit identities are confirmed as markers of discriminating CDM from ARC, CHM from ARC, and CDM from CHM, and the corresponding area under the curve values of validation cohorts are 0.985, 1.000, and 1.000. Finally, the critical impact of diabetes/high myopia on cataracts is revealed by excavating the change levels and metabolic pathways of key metabolites. This work updates the insights of prevention and treatment about cataracts at metabolic level and throws out huge surprises and progresses metabolic diagnosis toward a reality.

Femtosecond Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery in Patients With Prior Glaucoma Surgery

PRCIS

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) is a safe procedure in glaucomatous eyes with prior glaucoma surgery, evidenced by stable intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication use, acceptable success rate, disease stability, and low complication rates at 1-year postoperative.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the 1-year efficacy and safety of FLACS in glaucomatous eyes with prior glaucoma surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective case series of all consecutive glaucomatous eyes with previous glaucoma surgery that underwent FLACS using the Catalys Precision Laser System with or without concomitant glaucoma surgery at a single ophthalmology center, between 2014 and 2020. Efficacy included change in IOP, glaucoma medication use, best-corrected visual acuity, and surgical success at 12 months postoperatively (POM12). Safety included structural and functional measures of disease stability and postoperative adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 57 eyes with an average age of 62.6±8.1 years were included. At POM12, IOP decreased from 14.5±6.6 mmHg to 13.5±3.7 mm Hg (P=0.22) and glaucoma medication use decreased from 2.1±1.5 to 1.8±1.4 with a marginal significance (P=0.089). Best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly in both groups (P<0.001) and surgical success ranged between 74% and 90% according to the study's success criteria. Safety was favorable with disease stability evidenced by lack of deterioration in cup-to-disc ratio, visual field mean deviation, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness. One eye with prior history of trabeculectomy experienced transient bleb leak. Other adverse events were minor without sight-threatening sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that FLACS with or without concomitant glaucoma surgery could be a safe procedure in glaucomatous eyes-a population for which FLACS has been relatively contraindicated. Nonetheless, in those with preexisting filtering bleb, extra attention should be paid to the bleb area.

Cataract surgery astigmatism incisional management. Manual relaxing incision versus femtosecond laser-assisted arcuate keratotomy. A systematic review

PURPOSE

This systematic review aims to compare corneal astigmatism correction in cataract surgery through corneal relaxing incision, manually and femtosecond laser assisted.

METHODS

The study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement recommendations. We used PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WOS) as databases from January 2010 to March 30, 2021. Patients with keratoconus, corneal ectasia, and a previous history of eye surgery were excluded because our aim was to analyze only healthy eyes.

RESULTS

A total of 1025 eyes were evaluated from 946 patients (mean age was 68.90 ± 5.12) in manual incision group articles, while 1905 eyes of 1483 patients (mean age was 65.05 ± 4.57) were evaluated in femtosecond laser arcuate keratotomy (FLAK) articles. The mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 0.19 ± 0.12 and 0.15 ± 0.05 logMAR for manual incision and FLAK articles, respectively (p = 0.39). The mean correction index (CI) was similar in both groups: 0.77 ± 0.18 in manual incision and 0.79 ± 0.17 in femtosecond laser assisted incision (p = 0.70). Refractive stability was found after 3 months and no serious complications were reported during the follow-up in any group.

CONCLUSION

Both techniques are safe and moderately effective in corneal astigmatism correction in cataract surgery. FLAK represents a more precise and predictable approach. However, since visual and refractive outcomes appear to be similar in both cases, the cost-benefit analysis is controversial.

Safety of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus conventional phacoemulsification for cataract: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Purpose

To compare the complications of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) with those of conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS) for age-related cataracts.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were systematically searched for studies comparing FLACS and CPS. Outcomes were operative complications, including the intraoperative capsule tear, postoperative corneal edema, macular edema, uncontrolled IOP, etc. The effect measures were weighted with odds ratios with 95% CIs.

Results

Nineteen RCTs and 18 cohort studies, including 24,806 eyes (11,375 of the FLACS group and 13,431 of the CPS group), were identified. There were no significant differences between the two groups in anterior capsule tear, corneal edema, macular edema, uncontrolled IOP, vitreous loss, posterior vitreous detachment, etc. Posterior capsule tear rate showed a significantly lower in RCT subgroups (P ​= ​0.04) and without differences in total (P ​= ​0.63). Significant differences were observed in the incidence of descemet membrane tear/trauma (P ​= ​0.02) and IFIS/iris trauma (P ​= ​0.04. Additionally, The FLACS specific complications showed a significantly higher rate of miosis (P ​< ​0.0001), corneal epithelial defect (P ​= ​0.001), corneal haze (P ​= ​0.002), and subconjunctival hemorrhage (P ​= ​0.01).

Conclusions

FLACS maintains the same safety compared with CPS in terms of all intraoperative and postoperative complications. Although FLACS did show a statistically significant difference for several FLACS specific complications, it would not influence the visual outcome and heal itself.

Adverse events associated with femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery reported to the MAUDE database

PURPOSE

To report real-world complications associated with femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS).

SETTING

Deidentified database.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

METHODS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database was culled for adverse events involving ophthalmic femtosecond laser during cataract surgery from January 2010 to January 2020. Reports in which the narrative description was inadequate to determine the nature of the complication were excluded. Each report was reviewed for complications, which were subsequently assigned to a complication category as determined by these authors. The number of events per year was determined and compared.

RESULTS

Between January 2010 and January 2020, the MAUDE database search yielded 2927 reports involving femtosecond laser, of which 1927 met inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. These reports revealed 2704 complications: 1115 capsule tears (41.2%), 329 of which required vitrectomy, 372 instances of suction loss, 321 other capsulotomy-related complications, and 432 corneal or incisional complications. Rare complications included 54 reports of miosis, 16 reports of endophthalmitis, and 4 reports of toxic anterior segment syndrome. The number of events in the MAUDE database increased year over year between 2011 and 2017, peaking in 2017 at 303 events.

CONCLUSIONS

By drawing on real-world data in the MAUDE database, this study identified the complications of greatest importance in clinical practice. Surgeons should be aware of the spectrum of possible complications to best prepare for all potential outcomes and to effectively counsel patients.

Toric Intraocular Lenses for the Management of Corneal Astigmatism at the Time of Cataract Surgery

Methods

This audit was conducted in a UK ophthalmology department and included 48 eyes of 42 patients. Surgery was performed during 2019 in patients with 2.50 diopters (D) or more corneal astigmatism. Anterior keratometry readings were used to determine the toric IOL power. Vector analysis using the Alpins method was used to assess changes in astigmatism pre to postoperatively.

Results

There were 18 right and 26 left eyes included. In terms of gender, 61% of patients were female and 39% were male. The mean (±standard deviation (SD)) age was 70 (±11) years. The mean (±SD) axial length, K1, K2, and delta K was 23.55 (±1.4) mm, 42.71 (±1.39) D, 45.78 (±1.60) D, and 3.01 (±0.89) D, respectively. Postoperatively, the median spherical, cylinder, and spherical equivalent refraction was 0.00 D, −1.00 D, and 0.00 D, respectively. Postoperatively, 41% of the eyes had ≤0.50 D of spectacle astigmatism and 80% had ≤1.00 D. No patient required a secondary procedure to reposition the IOL from rotation. In vector analysis with the use of polar diagrams, there was a tendency for overcorrection of with-the-rule astigmatism and undercorrection of against-the-rule astigmatism.

Conclusions

Significant reductions in astigmatism can be achieved with the use of toric IOLs in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Further improvements may be possible with surgeon-specific determination of their surgically induced astigmatism and flattening effect from the main corneal incision. Furthermore, the use of an optical biometer that directly measures the posterior corneal curvature and permits automatic toric IOL power determination with modern formulas avoiding the need for manual data entry may reduce the risk of human error and improve visual and refractive outcomes.

Comparison of perioperative parameters in one-handed rotational phacoemulsification versus conventional phacoemulsification and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery

AIM

To compare perioperative parameters of one-handed rotational phacoemulsification technique (one-handed phaco-roll) with each of other two techniques, "Divide et Conquer" and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS).

METHODS

In this retrospective and comparative cohort study, eyes with uncomplicated cataract (nuclear density grade 2 to 3) treated routinely with one-handed phaco-roll (n=23; Group 1) or "Divide et Conquer" (n=23; Group 2) or FLACS (n=23; Group 3) were enrolled. Intraoperative parameters including effective phaco-time (EPt), ultrasound time (USt), aspiration time, surgical time, phacoemulsification (phaco)-power, balanced salt solution (BSS) use, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) were recorded and compared. Clinical outcomes including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), endothelial cell loss (ECL), central corneal thickness (CCT) and central macular thickness (CMT), were assessed and compared pre-operatively and at 1mo after surgery.

RESULTS

Aspiration and surgical time, and BSS used were lower in Group 1 (P<0.01) than other groups. EPt, phaco-power and CDE were lower in Group 1 (P<0.05) than Group 2 but not significantly different from Group 3. In Group 1, USt was lower (P<0.05) than Group 2 but higher (P<0.05) than Group 3. BCVA improved in all groups without significant difference between Group 1 and the other ones. No significant differences regarding all post-operative morphologic outcomes (ECD, ECL, CCT, CMT) were reported. No clinical complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

One-handed phaco-roll seems to be less time-consuming than "Divide et Conquer" and FLACS and less energy-consuming than "Divide et Conquer". Furthermore, one-handed phaco-roll seems to have an equal safety profile compared to the other two techniques.

Corneal Endothelial Cell Changes After Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients

OBJECTIVE

To compare corneal endothelial cell changes after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) in diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients with cataract who underwent FLACS performed by a single surgeon between August 2018 and November 2020. Changes in corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), hexagonality, coefficient of variation in cell size (CV), and central corneal thickness (CCT) at baseline and at the 1-month and 3-month postoperative follow-ups were investigated by dividing the patients into diabetic and nondiabetic groups.

RESULTS

We included 75 patients (60% men, mean age: 57.7±11.4 years, range: 27-80 years) in the analysis: 31 diabetic patients (64% men, mean age: 58.7±11.9 years, range: 27-79 years) and 44 nondiabetic patients (56% men, mean age: 57.1±11.3 years, range: 34-80 years). No differences were observed between the two groups as regards preoperative and intraoperative parameters, the mean postoperative ECD, hexagonality, and CV. At 1 month postoperatively, the CCT was significantly greater in the diabetic group (P=0.034); however, at 3 months, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.927).

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in postoperative corneal endothelial cells were comparable between patients with and without diabetes after FLACS. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery seems to cause less damage to the corneal endothelium in diabetic patients because it uses less phacoemulsification energy.