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/mm2 (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.