Femtosecond laser treatment of the crystalline lens: a 1-year study of possible cataractogenesis in minipigs.

BACKGROUND

To investigate the long-term stability and possible cataractogenesis after femtosecond laser treatment of the crystalline lens.

METHODS

The crystalline lenses of ten Göttingen minipigs® underwent femtosecond laser treatment. During a subsequent 1-year follow-up, the pigs were monitored by means of slit-lamp examination of the anterior segment and Scheimpflug imaging of the lens.

RESULTS

No laser-induced cataractogenesis was observed during the 1-year follow-up. The laser pattern showed a stable appearance under all examination devices.

CONCLUSION

Femtosecond laser treatment seems to be no trigger for cataract formation. Moreover, the long-term stability of the laser pattern makes it suitable for applications such as presbyopia treatment.