Laser cataract surgery

Lasers have been investigated for cataract removal for nearly two decades. The technology has now reached a stage at which cataract can indeed be removed entirely with laser alone. Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet and erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet are the laser sources being utilized at the present time by manufacturers of laser cataract surgery systems. Initial clinical experience reported in the literature has served to highlight both the laser's capabilities and areas that need further refinement. Despite the thrill associated with the availability of this alluring new technology for cataract removal, laser systems with higher efficency and innovative surgical techniques to optimally utilize their capabilities are necessary if laser cataract surgery is to be an improvement over current techniques.