Recently,  Vision specialist of ophthalmology, Tim Roberts cited a paper that similarly reported a very low anterior capsule tear rate of 0.1%, rather than the 1.8% stated in a professional journal by American ophthalmologist Abell et al.

Before this, Abell et al said in his article that an earlier study using the Catalys system reported a high rate of 1.8% in 804 eyes. Dr. Roberts took the attitude that Abell’s view stirred controversy that primarily focused on if treating the capsule with a laser will render the capsule intrinsically weak.


 Dr. Roberts noted that when looking at the most recent published results of nearly 5,000 consecutive laser procedures from their group and the Moorfields group, using different laser systems, surgeons can now be confident that optimal laser settings and appropriate surgical technique will result in a perfectly circular, evenly sized and intact capsulotomy in nearly every case.


 Therefore, Roberts held the view that the high complication rate in the paper by Abell et al. focused attention on laser settings and surgical techniques used in laser cataract surgery is not convincing.

He emphasized that the advanced new patient interface for the femtosecond laser platform and refinement of laser settings and surgical technique over time have been “game changers” for achieving free-floating capsulotomies with an extremely low rate of anterior capsule tear.