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.