title: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery in infants.
abstract: We describe a technique for performing cataract surgery with a femtosecond laser in infants. Anterior capsulotomy and lens division are performed by the laser. A fluid-filled interface makes it possible to re-dock the laser to the eye for posterior capsulotomy after the eye has been opened for lens aspiration without complications. The integrated 3-dimensional optical coherence tomography also visualizes the posterior capsule, allowing a centered central posterior capsulotomy followed by mechanical anterior vitrectomy. The anterior and the posterior capsule disks are removed without capsule tears. The technique has been performed in 4 infants (ages 2, 4, 7, and 9 months) with congenital cataract. It can enhance the quality of pediatric cataract surgery.
authors.affiliation: Ruhr University Eye Clinic, Bochum, Germany.
authors.forename: H Burkhard
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Dick
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schultz
mesh_terms: D001036:Aphakia, Postcataract / Q000503:physiopathology; D002386:Cataract / Q000151:congenital*; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000601:surgery*; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D014821:Vitrectomy