Reviewing the visual benefits of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery: Can we improve our outcomes?

[Fixation of an intraocular lens using reverse optic capture with haptic tuck for intraoperative posterior capsule rupture]

Exact positioning and optimal axial alignment are mandatory to achieve satisfactory postoperative refractive results after implantation of a toric or presbyopia correcting intraocular lens (IOL). Posterior capsule rupture can preclude stable capsular fixation. In such cases, reverse optic capture with haptic tuck results in stable fixation of the lens with respect to centering, rotation and axial position. Only the haptics are positioned in the capsule, behind the anterior capsulorrhexis. The optic remains in the sulcus; thus, the lens is fixed in the rhexis, providing long-term stability despite the presence of posterior capsule rupture.

The Latest Evidence with Regards to Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery and Its Use Post 2020

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) was introduced with the hope of making cataract surgery safer and making the refractive result more predictable. It is only in the last four years that level 1 prospective randomised controlled trials (RCT) using current technology have been published. These, along with a meta-analysis of recent studies have shown that there seems to be little long-term visual benefit when using FLACS with monofocal lenses. The promised decrease in ultrasound energy required to remove a cataract has not been consistently demonstrated. There is level one evidence that the rate of posterior capsular rupture is less with FLACS using modern software. The round capsulotomy may be of increasing importance with the uptake of toric, multifocal and extended depth of focus lenses where a predictable capsulotomy size and precise placement of the lens becomes more important.

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Premium intraocular lenses: The past, present and future

Purpose

To present potential benefits as well as limitations of premium intraocular lens (IOL) use, and provide insight in future of premium cataract surgery.

Methods

Bibliographic research was performed in PubMed/Medline database, and the most recently updated papers were evaluated. Keywords used were: premium intraocular lens, multifocal intraocular lens, toric intraocular lens, toric multifocal intraocular lens, accommodative intraocular lens, and the respective brand names.

Results

Multifocal IOLs provide uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 0.03 logMAR in 82.3%–95.7% of patients and overall spectacle independence in 81%–85% of patients. Toric IOLs provide UDVA of 0.3 logMAR in 70%–95% of patients, residual astigmatism of 1 D or less is noted in 67%–88% of patients, and spectacle independence is reported in 60%–85% of patients. Toric multifocal IOLs provide UDVA of 0.3 logMAR in 92%–97% of patients, and spectacle independence is reported in 79%–90% of patients. Accommodative IOLs represent intensively developing field in ophthalmology, and the results are still variable depending on the IOL model.

Conclusions

Premium IOL technology and advanced surgical techniques have significantly improved postoperative visual outcomes. Future developments will potentiate development of new premium IOL designs that will provide spectacle independence and excellent visual outcomes after cataract surgery.