Isolated Capsulorhexis Flap Technique in Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery to Protect the Corneal Endothelial Cells

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To present a novel technique that using capsulorhexis flap to protect corneal endothelial cells during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. Methods: During the procedure, an isolated capsulorhexis flap was used to lift it up carefully by using OVD until the flap attached to the corneal inner layer. It kept steady during the phaco phase, and been removed by I/A tip after intraocular lens implantation. Results: In our pilot study, the damage to the corneal endothelial cells from the phacoemulsification procedure were no more than the traditional phaco procedure, even femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery. Conclusion: Isolated capsulorhexis flap technique initiate a new approach to protect the endothelial cell. It is a simple technique with a short learning curve, but still need a further investigation to prove the protection of corneal endothelial cells.

Keywords::

• isolated capsulorhexis flap technique
• femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery
• corneal endothelial cell
• phacoemulsification
• ophthalmic viscoelastic devices
• endothelial cell loss

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

WHAT WAS KNOWN

•	The protection of endothelial cell is always one of the major topic in the phaco procedure.
•	Femtosecond laser was considered to reduce the ultrasound energy by using the laser fragmentation.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

•	The isolated capsulorhexis flap produced by femtosecond laser had been attaching to the corneal endothelial layer during the phacoemulsification procedure, which may protect the corneal endothelium cells from the ultrasound energy injury.

Additional information

Funding

Research foundation of Aier Eye Hospital group (AF114D11) and (AF152D01)