Dodick photolysis for cataract surgery: early experience with the Q-switched neodymium: YAG laser in 100 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a Q-switched neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser for removal of the human cataract.

DESIGN

A multicenter, prospective, noncomparative study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 100 consecutive eyes undergoing cataract extraction with the Dodick Photolysis, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Corneal endothelial cell loss, visual acuity improvement, intraocular pressure change, total intraocular energy used, and intraoperative and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The mean values were postoperative visual acuity improvement from 20/46.5 (0.43) to 20/26.6 (0.75), decrease in endothelial cell count of 177 cells/mm2 (7.55%), and intraocular energy used of 6.7 J. Minor complications were encountered in three cases.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that Dodick Photolysis may be a safe and effective new technology for cataract removal in human eyes. It appears to offer low intraocular energy and heat release, a clear-cornea incision less than 1.5 mm in size, and safe operation within the capsular bag.