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/mm(2) (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.