The effect of insulin on response to intravitreal anti-VEGF injection in diabetic macular edema in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether insulin therapy impacts the effectiveness of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This was a retrospective multi-center analysis. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months, BCVA change, central macular thickness (CMT), CMT change, and cumulative injection number were compared between the insulin and the oral hypoglycemic agent (OHA) groups. RESULTS: The mean final BCVA and CMT improved in both the insulin (N = 137; p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively) and the OHA group (N = 61; p = 0.199; p < 0.001, respectively). The two treatment groups were comparable for final BCVA (p = 0.263), BCVA change (p = 0.184), final CMT (p = 0.741), CMT change (p = 0.458), and the cumulative injections received (p = 0.594). The results were comparable between the two groups when stratified by baseline vision (p > 0.05) and baseline HbA1c (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Insulin therapy does not alter treatment outcomes for anti-VEGF therapy in DME.

Identifying Genetic Biomarkers Predicting Response to Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections in Diabetic Macular Edema.

Intraocular anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies are the front-line treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME); however, treatment response varies widely. This study aimed to identify genetic determinants associated with anti-VEGF treatment response in DME. We performed a genome-wide association study on 220 Australian patients with DME treated with anti-VEGF therapy, genotyped on the Illumina Global Screening Array, and imputed to the Haplotype Reference Consortium panel. The primary outcome measures were changes in central macular thickness (CMT in microns) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA in ETDRS letters) after 12 months. Association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes and DME outcomes were evaluated by linear regression, adjusting for the first three principal components, age, baseline CMT/BCVA, duration of diabetic retinopathy, and HbA1c. Two loci reached genome-wide significance (p < 5 × 10−8) for association with increased CMT: a single SNP on chromosome 6 near CASC15 (rs78466540, p = 1.16 × 10−9) and a locus on chromosome 12 near RP11-116D17.1 (top SNP rs11614480, p = 2.69 × 10−8). Four loci were significantly associated with reduction in BCVA: two loci on chromosome 11, downstream of NTM (top SNP rs148980760, p = 5.30 × 10−9) and intronic in RP11-744N12.3 (top SNP rs57801753, p = 1.71 × 10−8); one near PGAM1P1 on chromosome 5 (rs187876551, p = 1.52 × 10−8); and one near TBC1D32 on chromosome 6 (rs118074968, p = 4.94 × 10−8). In silico investigations of each locus identified multiple expression quantitative trait loci and potentially relevant candidate genes warranting further analysis. Thus, we identified multiple genetic loci predicting treatment outcomes for anti-VEGF therapies in DME. This work may potentially lead to managing DME using personalized treatment approaches.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery: Comparison of iStent with iStent inject in primary open angle glaucoma.

IMPORTANCE: Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery has gained significant traction in recent years. This study evaluates the first- and second-generation trabecular micro-bypass stents "iStent" and "iStent inject". BACKGROUND: To evaluate and compare the effect of a single iStent and double iStent inject in primary open angle glaucoma. DESIGN: Prospective comparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Primary open angle glaucoma patients undergoing trabecular micro-bypass stent insertion combined with cataract surgery. METHODS: Baseline demographic information, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes including intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, reliance on glaucoma medication and complications were collected and analysed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary, secondary and tertiary outcome measures were consecutively defined as an IOP of ≤18 mmHg with zero medications, an IOP of ≤18 mmHg with reduced medications or a 20% reduction in IOP with or without medication. RESULTS: The study comprised 145 eyes in the iStent and 100 eyes in the iStent inject group. At 12 months, 56.0% of the iStent and 51.3% of the iStent inject eyes had achieved primary success and 63.1% and 57.7% secondary success. The mean postoperative IOP was 16.6 mmHg in iStent and 16.9 mmHg in iStent inject. Survival analysis demonstrated a greater incidence of failure in the iStent inject beyond 5 months. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Both trabecular micro-bypass stents in this study were effective in reducing IOP and the burden of medication when combined with cataract surgery. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups across our outcome measures although the iStent inject required earlier recommencement of medications for optimal IOP control.

Ultrastructural Integrity of Human Capsulotomies Created by a Thermal Device.

PURPOSE: To investigate the ultrastructural features of anterior capsulotomy performed with a thermal device, the precision pulse capsulotomy (PPC). DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter case series. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients undergoing capsulotomy with the PPC device. METHODS: Prospective study of patients undergoing capsulotomy with the PPC by 2 surgeons, followed up by routine phacoemulsification cataract surgery, was undertaken. All capsulotomy specimens were collected for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Observations were made regarding uniformity of the capsular edge and the presence of irregularities that may compromise integrity. Comparisons were made with manual continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ultrastructural features of PPC and presence of irregularities. RESULTS: Frayed appearance of the anterior capsule edge was noted in postoperative visits under slit-lamp examination. Scanning electron microscopy sampling showed a generally uniform rolled capsular edge, but interspersed with areas of irregularity with frayed appearance at the capsule margin. CONCLUSIONS: The PPC device is capable of creating reproducible, central, and precise circular capsulotomy. The ultrastructural features in ex vivo human capsulotomy specimens generally show eversion of the capsulotomy edge, but in some cases, this was accompanied by areas of irregular capsule margin with frayed edges, likely caused by dissipated thermal energy. The postoperative appearance and SEM features warrant further assessment of the PPC integrity and clinical correlation.

Femtosecond laser-assisted versus phacoemulsification for cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation: clinical outcomes review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) has gained popularity in recent years with the new technology suggesting potential improvements in clinical and safety outcomes over conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery (PCS). A decade since the advent of FLACS has given time and experience for laser technology to develop in maturity, and better quality evidence to become available. This review evaluates current evidence on the clinical and safety outcomes for FLACS in comparison to PCS. RECENT FINDINGS: FLACS technology continues to improve and with it our confidence in tackling more complex patient indications. Concurrently other new technologies such as precision pulse capsulotomy also look to deliver the biomechanically ideal 5.2 mm capsulotomy, particularly as there remain suggestions from large studies and meta-analyses of raised capsular complications with FLACS compared with PCS and IOL technology responding to advantages of a consistent capsulotomy. Visual benefits of FLACS over and above PCS also remain to be conclusively demonstrated, with equivalence but not superiority. Economic modelling continues to indicate that FLACS remains 'not' cost-effective. SUMMARY: FLACS can be considered non-inferior to conventional PCS in term of safety and clinical outcomes. However, FLACS has yet to demonstrate an overall cost-benefit to the patient.

An analysis of ranibizumab treatment and visual outcomes in real-world settings: the UNCOVER study.

PURPOSE: To describe intravitreal ranibizumab treatment frequency, clinical monitoring, and visual outcomes (including mean central retinal thickness [CRT] and visual acuity [VA] changes from baseline) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in real-world settings across three ranibizumab reimbursement scenarios in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS: Non-interventional multicenter historical cohort study of intravitreal ranibizumab use for nAMD in routine clinical practice between April 2010 and April 2013. Eligible patients were diagnosed with nAMD, received at least one intravitreal ranibizumab injection during the study period, and had been observed for a minimum of 1 year (up to 3 years). Reimbursement scenarios were defined as self-paid, partially-reimbursed, and fully-reimbursed. RESULTS: More than three-fourths (n = 2521) of the analysis population was partially-reimbursed for ranibizumab, while 16.4% (n = 532) was fully-reimbursed, and 5.8% was self-paid (n = 188). The average annual ranibizumab injection frequency was 4.1 injections in the partially-reimbursed, 4.7 in the fully-reimbursed and 2.6 in the self-paid populations. The average clinical monitoring frequency was estimated to be 6.7 visits/year, with similar frequencies observed across reimbursement categories. On average, patients experienced VA reduction of -0.7 letters and a decrease in CRT of -44.4 µm. The greatest mean CRT change was observed in the self-paid group, with -92.6 µm. CONCLUSIONS: UNCOVER included a large, heterogeneous ranibizumab-treated nAMD population in real-world settings. Patients in all reimbursement scenarios attained vision stability on average, indicating control of disease activity.

PAIN AND ANTISEPSIS AFTER OCULAR ADMINISTRATION OF POVIDONE-IODINE VERSUS CHLORHEXIDINE.

PURPOSE: To investigate ocular bacterial count before and after antisepsis with aqueous chlorhexidine (AC) or povidone-iodine (PI) and to assess discomfort with each agent. METHODS: Bacterial swabs were taken from participants' eyes before and after antisepsis. These underwent microscopy, culture, and sensitivity testing. Aqueous chlorhexidine drops were administered to left eyes and PI to right eyes. Participants rated their pain (scale 0-10) for each eye but were blinded to the type of drop. RESULTS: There were 20 participants (17 women, 3 men), and the mean age was 43 years. Pain scores were significantly higher in right (PI) than in left (AC) eyes (mean 7 vs. mean 2, P < 0.001). No abnormalities were detected on specimen microscopy and gram staining. Seven preantisepsis swabs (three left and four right) grew bacteria in culture. Two postantisepsis swabs grew bacteria in primary culture plate (1 after AC and 1 after PI). For an additional one post-PI swab, bacteria were detected in enrichment broth only. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of AC and PI are similar, and patient discomfort is lower with AC. Aqueous chlorhexidine is a good alternative to PI for antisepsis before intravitreal injection.

Demodex species in human ocular disease: new clinicopathological aspects.

Demodex brevis and Demodex folliculorum are likely ubiquitous organisms associated with human eyelashes. However, they have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of external ocular diseases. This article reviews the current literature in regards to life cycle, morphology, pathogenesis and treatment of underlying Demodex spp. infestation and outlines the previously undescribed in vivo behaviour of the mites. Images were obtained from the epilation of lashes from 404 patients seen in clinical practice. Epilated lashes were placed on a microscope slide which had been coated with optically clear hypromellose/carbomer gel (Genteal gel, Novartis pharmaceuticals corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey). Adults were identified with either dark field or standard transmission microscopy at 40-100×. Eggs and other life-cycle stages were examined at 250× magnification, with transmission microscopy giving the best image resolution. The life cycle of the mite has been reviewed and simplified according to clinical observations. Clinical signs suggestive of underlying Demodex spp. infestation have been described, and their pathogenesis was explained based on the micrographic digital images obtained. The problem of symptomatic Demodex spp. disease likely reflects an imbalance in the external ocular ecology; however, the role of Demodex spp. as a commensal should not be overlooked. Treatment should not be aimed at total eradication of the mite but rather restoring the ocular ecology to a balanced state. By revisiting the life cycle of the mite, we can identify areas where possible intervention may be effective.

Multiallelic copy number variation in the complement component 4A (C4A) gene is associated with late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

BACKGROUND: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in Western societies with a strong genetic component. Candidate gene studies as well as genome-wide association studies strongly implicated genetic variations in complement genes to be involved in disease risk. So far, no association of AMD with complement component 4 (C4) was reported probably due to the complex nature of the C4 locus on chromosome 6. METHODS: We used multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) to determine the copy number of the C4 gene as well as of both relevant isoforms, C4A and C4B, and assessed their association with AMD using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Here, we report on the analysis of 2645 individuals (1536 probands and 1109 unaffected controls), across three different centers, for multiallelic copy number variation (CNV) at the C4 locus. We find strong statistical significance for association of increased copy number of C4A (OR 0.81 (0.73; 0.89);P = 4.4 × 10(-5)), with the effect most pronounced in individuals over 78 years (OR 0.67 (0.55; 0.81)) and females (OR 0.77 (0.68; 0.87)). Furthermore, this association is independent of known AMD-associated risk variants in the nearby CFB/C2 locus, particularly in females and in individuals over 78 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our data strengthen the notion that complement dysregulation plays a crucial role in AMD etiology, an important finding for early intervention strategies and future therapeutics. In addition, for the first time, we provide evidence that multiallelic CNVs are associated with AMD pathology.

A Comparative Cohort Study of Visual Outcomes in Femtosecond Laser-Assisted versus Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate visual outcomes after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (LCS) with phacoemulsification cataract surgery (PCS). DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, comparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients undergoing femtosecond LCS or PCS with intraocular lens insertion. METHODS: A total of 1876 eyes of 1238 patients (422 male and 772 female) who underwent cataract surgery between January 2012 and June 2014 were included in the study: 1017 eyes from center A and 859 eyes from center B. Cases underwent clinico-socioeconomic selection. Patients with absolute LCS contraindications were assigned to PCS; otherwise, all patients were offered LCS and elected on the basis of their decision to pay (the out-of-pocket cost for LCS). Demographic and postoperative data were collected to determine differences between groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Six-month postoperative visual and refractive outcomes. Masked subjective refractions were performed 2 to 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There were 988 eyes in the LCS group and 888 eyes in the PCS group. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was better in LCS compared with PCS (20/44.0 vs. 20/51.5; P < 0.0003). Preoperative surgical refractive aim differed significantly between groups (LCS -0.28 vs. PCS -0.23; P < 0.0001). More patients who received LCS had Toric lenses implanted compared with PCS (47.4% vs. 34.8%; P < 0.0001). Postoperative BCVA was better after LCS (20/24.5 vs. 20/26.4; P = 0.0003) with a greater proportion of LCS cases achieving BCVA >20/30 (LCS 89.7% vs. PCS 84.2%; P = 0.0006) and 20/40 (LCS 96.6% vs. PCS 93.9%; P = 0.0077). However, PCS cases had more letters gained compared with LCS cases (13.5 vs. 12.5 letters; P = 0.0088), reflecting baseline BCVA differences. Mean absolute error was higher in LCS compared with PCS (0.41 diopters [D] vs. 0.35 D; P < 0.0011). The percentage of eyes within 0.5 D of error from preoperative aim refraction was higher in the PCS group (LCS 72.2% vs. PCS 82.6%; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Femtosecond LCS did not demonstrate clinically meaningful improvements in visual outcomes over conventional PCS.

Tasmanian macular hole study: whole population-based incidence of full thickness macular hole.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of full thickness macular hole in the Tasmanian population. DESIGN: A whole population retrospective case series in Tasmania, Australia. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with full thickness macular hole (confirmed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging) of both idiopathic and secondary causes were identified from April 2005 to April 2011 by a sole vitreoretinal surgeon servicing Tasmania. Baseline characteristics were recorded. The six-year incidence rate was calculated, based on the 2006 and 2011 Tasmanian census data. Incidence rates were age and sex standardized. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred forty-seven eyes of 136 patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To determine the incidence (age and sex standardized) of full thickness macular holes in Tasmania, Australia. RESULTS: Idiopathic macular holes comprised 128 (87.1%). There were 116 cases of idiopathic Full Thickness Macular Hole in one or both eyes between 1 April 2005 and 31 April 2011. The six-year incidence of idiopathic full-thickness macular holes was 24.3 per 100 000 people, 4.05 per 100 000 per year, with the highest six-year incidence observed among women aged 70-79 years. CONCLUSION: This is the first global study to report OCT confirmed incidence rates of full thickness macular holes in a relatively static Australian population sub-group.

Visual outcomes with femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus conventional cataract surgery in toric IOL insertion.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the visual outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (LCS) compared with phacoemulsification cataract surgery (PCS) in patients undergoing Toric IOL insertion. DESIGN: A non-randomized, single surgeon, prospective, comparative cohort case series PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing LCS and PCS between January 2012 and July 2014 at a single center. METHODS: The LCS group underwent femtosecond laser pretreatment for the anterior capsulotomy and lens fragmentation. Otherwise standard phacoemulsification surgery and foldable toric intraocular lens insertion proceeded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), pre and post operative cylinder and mean absolute refractive error. RESULTS: A total of 418 eyes from 323 patients were included in the study; with 95 eyes in the PCS group and 323 in the LCS group. There were 243 (75.5%) LCS eyes with a pre-operative BCVA of 20/40 or better and 54 (56.8%) in the PCS group (p < 0.001). For post-operative BCVA, 315 (97.5 %) LCS and 81 (85.3%) PCS eyes had a BCVA of 20/40 or better (p = <0.001). However, there was no significant difference for change in BCVA between the groups (mean gain in EDTRS letter 11.0 for LCS and 10.3 for PCS p = 0.64) or in MAE (mean 0.56D PCS vs 0.65D LCS p = 0.18). CONCLUSION: In patients receiving toric intraocular lenses, there is similar improvement in terms of letters gained with LCS and PCS. Overall, there is no additional benefit for patients undergoing LCS in this cohort.

Demodex treatment in external ocular disease: the outcomes of a Tasmanian case series.

Demodex species (spp.) have previously been implicated in the pathogenesis of blepharitis. This study aims to correlate improvement in symptoms of external ocular disease with treatment of underlying Demodex spp. This is a prospective, observational case series of patients with chronic external ocular disease. Demodicosis was confirmed by microscopic examination of epilated eyelashes. The main outcome measure was response to the treatment (5 % tee tree oil) in regard to change in subjective symptoms utilising a symptom-based patient questionnaire assessment. Overall patients had a good response to the treatment in terms of improvement or resolution of symptoms, with 91 % of patients reporting at least some improvement in symptoms. The treatment of underlying Demodex spp. appears to result in improvement of symptoms in patients with long standing external ocular disease and underlying Demodex spp. infestation.

Cost-effectiveness of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To perform a comparative cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (LCS) and conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery (PCS) DESIGN: Retrospective CEA using computer-based econometric modeling. PARTICIPANTS: Hypothetical cohort of patients undergoing cataract surgery in the better eye based on a review of the current literature and our direct experience using LCS. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness decision tree model was constructed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of LCS compared with PCS. Complication rates of cataract surgery were obtained from a review of the current literature to complete the cohort of patients and outcomes. This data was incorporated with time trade-off utility values converted from visual acuity outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Improvements in best-corrected visual acuity obtained from the literature were used to calculate the increase in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) in a hypothetical cohort between 6 months and 1 year after cataract surgery. This was combined with approximate costs in a cost-utility analysis model to determine the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). RESULTS: Based on the simulated complication rates of PCS and LCS and assuming resultant visual acuity outcome improvement of 5% in uncomplicated cases of LCS, the cost-effectiveness (dollars spent per QALY) gained from LCS was not cost-effective at $92 862 Australian Dollars. The total QALY gain for LCS over PCS was 0.06 units. Multivariate sensitivity analyses revealed that LCS would need to significantly improve visual outcomes and complications rates over PCS, along with a reduction in cost to patient, to improve cost effectiveness. Modeling a best-case scenario of LCS with excellent visual outcomes (100%), a significant reduction in complications (0%) and a significantly reduced cost to patient (of $300) resulted in an ICER of $20 000. CONCLUSIONS: Laser cataract surgery, irrespective of potential improvements in visual acuity outcomes and complication rates, is not cost effective at its current cost to patient when compared with cost-effectiveness benchmarks and other medical interventions, including PCS. A significant reduction in the cost to patient (via reduced consumable/click cost) would increase the likelihood of LCS being considered cost effective.

Anterior capsulotomy integrity after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of anterior capsular tears after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) versus phacoemulsification cataract surgery (PCS) and to assess the ultrastructural features of anterior capsulotomy specimens (FLACS and PCS) using electron microscopy. DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, comparative cohort case series. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients undergoing FLACS or PCS. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of all patients (n = 1626) undergoing FLACS or PCS by 2 surgeons from centers A and B was undertaken to compare the incidence of anterior capsule tears. Anterior lens capsules were collected by 4 surgeons from centers A, B, C, and D using 3 different commercially available femtosecond platforms, each with latest version upgrades. Lens capsule tissue was prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using a total of 10 samples for patients undergoing PCS, and 40 samples for patients undergoing FLACS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of anterior capsule tear and comparative ultrastructural features of capsular samples from both PCS and FLACS cases. RESULTS: There was a significantly increased rate of anterior capsule tears in the FLACS group (15/804 [1.87%]) when compared with the PCS group (1/822 [0.12%]; P = 0.0002, Fisher exact test). In 7 cases, the anterior capsule tear extended to the posterior capsule. Because all cases had occurred in complete capsulotomy, the integrity of the anterior capsule was questioned in the FLACS group. Subsequent SEM sampling showed irregularity at the capsule margin, as well as multiple apparently misplaced laser pits in normal parts of the tissue. Aberrant pits were approximately 2 to 4 µm apart and occurred at a range of 10 to 100 µm radially from the capsule edge. CONCLUSIONS: Laser anterior capsulotomy integrity seems to be compromised by postage-stamp perforations and additional aberrant pulses, possibly because of fixational eye movements. This can lead to an increased rate of anterior capsule tears, and extra care should be taken during surgery after femtosecond laser pretreatment has been performed. A learning curve may account for some of the increased complication rate with FLACS. However, the SEM features raise safety concerns for capsular integrity after FLACS and warrant further investigation.

Bilateral maculopathy associated with sertraline.

OBJECTIVE: We report a rare case of bilateral maculopathy that developed with the initiation of sertraline. METHODS: We conducted a case report and review of the literature. RESULTS: A 23-year-old man rapidly developed maculopathy with associated visual blurring after the initiation of sertraline. Treatment was ceased with the patient subsequently reporting mild improvement in visual symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Maculopathy associated with sertraline use has yet to be established and recognized as an adverse side effect. With only one previous reported case in the literature, this condition requires further awareness.

Toward zero effective phacoemulsification time using femtosecond laser pretreatment.

OBJECTIVE: To compare effective phacoemulsification time after femtosecond laser pretreatment with conventional phacoemulsification and the associated effect on visual outcomes and endothelial cell loss. DESIGN: Prospective, consecutive, single-surgeon case-control study. CONTROLS: Controls underwent phacoemulsification cataract extraction plus insertion of an intraocular lens (IOL). Cases underwent pretreatment with the femtosecond laser followed by phacoemulsification cataract extraction and IOL insertion. METHODS: Two hundred one eyes underwent cataract surgery between April 2012 and July 2012. Data collected included patient demographics, preoperative characteristics, femtosecond lens fragmentation method, effective phacoemulsification time (EPT), intraoperative complications, and postoperative outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Effective phacoemulsification time, intraoperative complications, corneal endothelial cell loss, as well as postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and refractive outcomes. RESULTS: Patient demographics were similar between groups. There was no difference between baseline cataract grades (2.59 ± 0.71 vs. 2.52 ± 0.72, not significant). One hundred percent of cases pretreated with the femtosecond laser had complete capsulotomy. Mean EPT was reduced by 83.6% in the femtosecond pretreatment group (P<0.0001) when compared with controls, with 30% having 0 EPT (P<0.0001). Effective phacoemulsification time was reduced 28.6% within the femtosecond group using improved lens fragmentation algorithms, and a further 72.8% reduction was achieved with a 20-gauge phacoemulsification tip. Overall, there was a 96.2% reduction in EPT between controls and the optimized femtosecond pretreatment group. This was associated with a 36.1% reduction in endothelial cell loss in the femtosecond group. Visual and refractive outcomes were similar to those of conventional cataract surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Femtosecond laser pretreatment results in a significant reduction in effective phacoemulsification time, including the possibility of 0 EPT. Further reductions may be achieved using optimization of lens fragmentation patterns and surgical technique. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.