2 September, 2024 by Dr. Hardik Parikh

The Evolution of Cataract Surgery: Why Microincision Phacoemulsification Remains the Gold Standard

The Evolution of Cataract Surgery: Why Microincision Phacoemulsification Remains the Gold Standard

As an eye surgeon, I’ve witnessed significant advancements in cataract surgery techniques. Recently, femtosecond cataract surgery, also known as robotic cataract surgery, has gained attention. While it shows promise, I firmly believe that microincision phacoemulsification remains the gold standard. In this blog, I’ll explain why femtosecond cataract surgery is still in its infancy and why microincision phacoemulsification continues to be the preferred method.

Femtosecond Cataract Surgery: The Newcomer

Femtosecond cataract surgery uses a laser to create incisions and fragment the cataract. This technology aims to improve precision and reduce recovery time. However, in its current state, femtosecond cataract surgery has limitations:

  • Limited availability and high costs
  • Steep learning curve for surgeons
  • Increased surgical time
  • Potential for laser-related complications
  • Dependence on Microincision Phacoemulsification: Femtosecond cataract surgery only performs approximately 10% of the steps involved in cataract surgery, relying on microincision phacoemulsification to complete the remaining 90%. This dependence limits its ability to function independently.

Microincision Phacoemulsification: The Gold Standard

Microincision phacoemulsification has been refined over decades and offers:

  • Proven track record of safety and efficacy
  • Wider availability and lower costs
  • Faster surgical times
  • Smaller incisions, reducing recovery time
  • Adaptability to various cataract types

In conclusion, while femtosecond cataract surgery shows promise, its limitations and dependence on microincision phacoemulsification cannot be ignored. The fact that it only performs 10% of the surgical steps, leaving the remaining 90% to microincision phacoemulsification, raises concerns about its ability to stand alone as a comprehensive solution. Microincision phacoemulsification has earned its place as the gold standard due to its established reputation, efficiency, and adaptability. As eye surgeons, we must prioritize patient outcomes and safety above innovative technology. Until femtosecond cataract surgery can demonstrate greater independence and comprehensive capabilities, microincision phacoemulsification will remain the preferred method for cataract surgery. At Global Eye Clinic, we are proud to offer one of the best Microincision Phacoemulsification systems with Centurion and Active Sentry, which, when combined with premium IOLs, consistently delivers excellent visual outcomes for our patients.

Category : Cataract Surgery

Tags: Cataract Surgery, Femtosecond Cataract Surgery, robotic cataract surgery