Comparison of refractive predictability and endothelial cell loss in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and conventional phaco surgery: prospective randomised trial with 6 months of follow-up

ObjectiveFemtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) decreases the use of energy and provides a more precise capsulorhexis compared with conventional phaco surgery (CPS). The purpose of this study was to examine if the lower energy use in FLACS caused less endothelial cell loss compared with CPS and if there was a difference in refractive predictability between CPS and FLACS.Methods and analysisThis was a randomised controlled study of 96 patients with a 6-month follow-up comparing one eye surgery by FLACS and the contralateral eye operated by CPS (divide and conquer technique). Both eyes had intraocular aspheric lenses implanted. Uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), central corneal endothelial cell count and hexagonality (non-contact endothelial cell microscope) were assessed preoperatively at 40 and at 180 days postoperatively.ResultsThe mean phaco energies were 6.55 (95% CI 5.43 to 7.66) and 9.77 (95% CI 8.55 to 10.95) U/S (p