Purpose
To analyze surgical outcomes and safety of the femtosecond laser cataract surgery in post refractive patients.
Methods
All eyes undergoing femtosecond laser cataract surgery with a history of refractive surgery from October 22, 2012 through October 22, 2013 in a single group private practice were included in this study. 51 post refractive eyes were reviewed and analyzed for outcomes in visual acuity and complications. The Alcon/Lensx femtosecond laser was used for anterior capsulotomy, lens fragmentation and corneal incisions. Phacoemulsification was then performed with insertion of either SN60WF/INTOL, Restor, or Toric Intraocular Lens.
Results
Of the 51 eyes, 42 had prior LASIK and 9 had prior RK. Average pre-operative visual acuity was 20/84. Average post op acuity was 20/26. 0 out of the 51 had complications related to the surgery. 0 out of 42 LASIK eyes had any reported flap complications. 0 out of 9 RK eyes had evidence of wound leak following surgery. 2 out of 42 LASIK eyes needed an additional refractive touch up to refine their correction. 0 out of 9 RK eyes needed a refractive touch up.
Conclusions
There have been some questions about the safety of femtosecond assisted cataract surgery in patients that have had prior refractive surgery, either LASIK or RK. In our case series there was no evidence of any complication related to their prior procedures. In particular, there were no disruptions in old LASIK flaps, and no opening of old RK wounds. Post op visual acuities were all superior to pre op. In addition, only 2 eyes required additional touch up. Based on our consecutive case series there is no evidence that femtosecond assisted cataract surgery would be unsafe after refractive surgery.
Keywords: 445 cataract •
578 laser •
678 refractive surgery