Posters

Laser-related complications during femtosecond-assisted cataract surgery

Poster Details

First Author: A.Arteaga USA

Co Author(s):    S. Hassanaly   M. Cortina   J. De la Cruz              

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate causes, possible risk factors and outcomes after experiencing laser problems during femtosecond-assisted cataract surgery.

Setting:

Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago - Illinois, USA

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of 384 eyes that underwent femtosecond-assisted cataract surgery performed by residents and fellows from January 2012 to December 2017. The number of docking attempts, the cause of docking difficulty, laser treatment applied, and patient outcomes were documented. Cases with any difficulty during any stage of the laser procedure were included.

Results:

Thirty-one eyes (8.1%) were included in the study. A first group of twenty (64.52%) eyes the laser treatment was delivered without further complications and the difficulty was overcome. In this group the most common problem found was docking difficulties in 12 eyes, followed by lack of patient cooperation in 5 eyes. A second group of eleven eyes (35.48%) the problem encountered during the delivery of the laser treatment was impossible to solve and the laser treatment was aborted. The most common cause in this group was intrinsic laser malfunction.

Conclusions:

Femtosecond-assisted cataract extraction performed by surgeons in training is a safe procedure. Docking issues are overall the most common problem experienced during the laser treatment portion of the cataract surgery. Ability to identify the risk factors and laser problems are valuable tools to overcome the challenges encountered during surgery and continue to provide a safe procedure to the patient.

Financial Disclosure:

receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a competing company