Intraocular pressure during femtosecond laser pretreatment of cataract

PURPOSE: To analyze the course of intraocular pressure (IOP) during femtosecond laser pretreatment to cataract surgery.

SETTING: Launceston Eye Institute, Tasmania, Australia.

DESIGN: Interventional prospective study.

METHODS: Femtosecond laser pretreatment was performed using the Catalys Precision Laser System with Liquid Optics Interface. The IOP was measured using a rebound tonometer (iCare PRO) during different stages of surgery and analyzed by number of docking attempts, vacuum time, treatment time, and central corneal thickness (CCT).

RESULTS: The mean baseline IOP in the 25 eyes was 17.5 mm Hg ± 2.4 (SD). During vacuum application, the mean IOP rise was 11.4 ± 3.3 mm Hg. Peak IOPs were recorded immediately after laser capsulotomy and lens fragmentation (mean 36.0 ± 4.4 mm Hg; mean increase from baseline 18.5 ± 4.7 mm Hg) and remained above baseline 2 minutes after the procedure (26.6 ± 4.0 mm Hg) (P<.001). Multiple regression analysis found no association between IOP rise and number of docking attempts, vacuum time, treatment time, or CCT.

CONCLUSION: Femtosecond laser pretreatment was associated with a mean peak increase in IOP of 18.5 mm Hg from baseline and appeared to be safe and well tolerated.