Page 68 - The Book Pi in eye

Rajesh Khanna, MD

Let us look at the splitting of the lens by laser. It is important to
realize, this is done without any stress on the capsular bag or the
zonular support system. The depth of the cuts can be controlled in
real time. The energy is delivered from the bottom towards the top.
This allows gas generated by conversion of the lens material into
plasma to escape as well allow the subsequent beam to work without
interference from the gas bubbles. The current choice, sound energy,
can cause inflammation and affect the functioning of the cornea. In
dense cataracts the bottom is difficult to perceive so the capsule can
be accidentally ruptured. Real time display with the ability to be
precise and avoid the bottom of the bag is a boon when using the
laser for cataract or Prelex procedure. Breaking apart these hard
lenses is time consuming with traditional sound wave technology.
Lasers decreases time and energy requires to accomplish this feat.
Further progress in laser technology will be even more helpful.
The age of robots is fast approaching. Maybe one day robots
could do a safe and effective cataract or Prelex surgery. In present
times we still need skilled human surgeons.

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