title: A Review of Laser-Assisted Versus Traditional Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery.
abstract: The use of femtosecond laser surgery improves the precision and reproducibility of corneal incisions and the capsular opening; it also reduces the amount of ultrasound energy required for lens nucleus work-up. The rate of complications reported so far appears to be low. There are a number of contraindications such as a history of cornea and/or glaucoma surgery and certain anatomical features like deep-set eyes, kyphosis, tremor, and obesity. Visual recovery and refractive results of both techniques are excellent. Comparing laser cataract surgery (LCS) with manual cataract surgery (conventional phacoemulsification) based on meta-analysis currently reveals slight differences in refractive and visual outcome. Both methods are extremely successful and safe. LCS is a technique still on the rise, with its full potential not yet tapped.
authors.affiliation: University Eye Hospital, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892, Bochum, Germany. burkhard.dick@kk-bochum.de.
authors.forename: H Burkhard
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Dick
authors.affiliation: University Eye Hospital, In der Schornau 23-25, 44892, Bochum, Germany.
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schultz
keywords: Capsulorhexis; Capsulotomy; Cataract; Effective phaco time; Endothelial cell count; Femtosecond laser; Intraocular lens; Laser cataract surgery; Manual phacoemulsification; Prostaglandin; Ultrasound