Benefits of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery in complex cases during the cataract surgery learning curve: seven years' follow-up

Session Details

Session Title: Femtolaser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)

Session Date/Time: Monday 16/09/2019 | 08:30-10:30

Paper Time: 09:20

Venue: Free Paper Forum: Podium 4

First Author: : C.Somavilla Bueno USA

Co Author(s): :    A. Arteaga   M. Cortina   J. De la Cruz                       

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Asses FLACS complication rates and visual outcomes in complex cataract procedures performed by senior residents and fellows in Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary.

Setting:

Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago, IL.USA.

Methods:

Charts of 103 eyes after FLACS performed by surgeons in training from 2012 to 2018 were reviewed. All 103 eyes were designated as complex and divided into 10 groups according to the associated eye pathology. Dense-white cataract, zonular problems, monocular patient, history of corneal surgery, history of retinal surgery, Fuch´s dystrophy, Peter´s anomaly, Phacomorphic glaucoma, aniridia, polar cataract were the categories. Laser and surgery complications and complication rates were disclosed. Preoperative, postoperative VA at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 1 year were also reported. Patient with at least 1 month follow up were included.

Results:

Over 103 eyes included, most commonly associated pathology was white-dense cataract 27% followed by Fuch's dystrophy 23%. The complication rate was 5.8% posterior capsular rupture and 7.76% anterior capsular tear, distributed in all categories. No complications were related to laser treatment. 96.11% of the eyes were successfully docked. Mean preoperative VA was logMAR 0.97 (SD±1.1) and postoperative was logMAR 0.30 (SD±0.5) and 0.24(SD± 0.32) at 1 month and 1 year respectively.

Conclusions:

FLACS is a safe procedure in hands of training surgeons, proof of it is that our complication rates and visual outcomes were also comparable to previously published studies in experienced surgeons in complex cataracts. Further incorporation of femtosecond and new available technology in many more residency programs is to be considered.

Financial Disclosure:

None