[New Developments in Cataract Surgery]. / Interessantes aus der Kataraktchirurgie.

ABSTRACT

Recent technological innovations in cataract surgery have made the procedure even more precise and safe and the odds of having a highly satisfied patient even higher. These innovations include visualisation systems - such as intraoperative aberrometry - which are particularly helpful when it comes to implanting toric IOLs, where even a slight rotation or misalignment can significantly reduce the postoperative visual quality. Another way to ensure the exact positioning of a toric IOL is to create a mark by making an intrastromal incision using the femtosecond laser. The latter technology has increased the precision of capsulotomy and other steps of the operation and has been successfully employed in patients with a challenging clinical profile, including paediatric and hypermature cataracts. The femtosecond laser, however, induces an increase in intraocular prostaglandins, which can lead to miosis. Applying topical NSAIDs before starting surgery has proved to be effective in coping with the consequences of the increase in prostaglandins. Good vision without using glasses for near, intermediate and far distances remains a goal for many patients. IOLs with extended depths of focus (EDOF) technology can provide this comfort - to some but not all patients. An intraocular sensor, Eyemate, that is implanted during cataract surgery, enables the glaucoma patient to check his or her IOP at any time and improves the management of glaucoma and its main risk factor, elevated IOP. Several methods - drugs or nutritive agents - are said to prevent cataractogenesis. These studies have probably to be taken with the proverbial grain of salt.