Innovations expand cataract realm

In interviews with Ophthalmology Times, Randall J. Olson, MD, The John A. Moran Presidential Professor and chairman, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City; Robert H. Osher, MD, professor of ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati, OH, and medical director emeritus, Cincinnati Eye Institute; and Mark Packer, MD, clinical associate professor of ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, spoke about what's new and what's coming in cataract surgery.

Femtosecond laser surgery

During 2010, a second cataract surgery femtosecond laser system received FDA clearance for anterior capsulotomy (LensAR), a third manufacturer's system is undergoing FDA review (OptiMedica), and in Europe, Technolas Perfect Vision has developed a cataract surgery module for its femtosecond laser that is being used in refractive surgery and other applications.

Drs. Olson, Osher, and Packer all are enthusiastic about the benefits of femtosecond laser cataract surgery and note that it should have a positive impact on greater use of premium IOLs. However, with cost as a potential barrier, it remains to be seen how fast and how widely the technology is adopted into clinical practice.