The Effects of High Energy Capsulotomy on Aqueous Cytokine Profiles and Pupil Size During Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To assess whether aqueous cytokine profiles and pupil size are altered when high capsulotomy energy is used in eyes undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), and if preoperative use of a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) has an effect on this.

METHODS:

This prospective study recruited 83 eyes (63 patients) that were allocated to four treatment groups: conventional phacoemulsification (n = 20 eyes); FLACS with 90% capsulotomy energy without NSAID pretreatment (n = 20 eyes); FLACS with 90% capsulotomy energy with NSAID pre-treatment (n = 21 eyes); and FLACS with 150% capsulotomy energy with NSAID pretreatment (n = 22 eyes). Aqueous humor was collected before and after phacoemulsification to assess cytokine profiles. Pupil size was measured before and after laser capsulotomy.

RESULTS:

FLACS increased aqueous concentrations of pros-taglandin E2 (PGE2), interferon γ (IFN-γ), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) compared to conventional phacoemulsification. However, when increasing capsulotomy energy from 90% to 150% (with topical NSAID pretreatment), there was no significant increase in aqueous concentrations of PGE2 (37.7 ± 21.7 vs 33.6 ± 27.6 pg/mL, P = .99), IFN-γ (3.6 ± 1.1 vs 3.6 ± 0.8 pg/mL, P = .99), or IL-6 (7.1 ± 2.9 vs 6.3 ± 2.4 pg/mL, P = .99). For 90% and 150% capsulotomy energy, there was significant miosis following laser capsulotomy. Increased PGE2 concentration was significantly correlated with a reduction in pupil area (r = -0.58, P < .001) and pupil diameter (r = -0.57, P < .001). However, when a topical NSAID was given preoperatively, there was no difference in the degree of miosis between the 90% and 150% capsulotomy energy groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pretreatment with a topical NSAID prevented a rise in PGE2, IFN-γ, and IL-6 levels and excessive miosis when a higher capsulotomy energy was used. When a topical NSAID is used preoperatively, it is safe to use higher capsulotomy energy settings (with a low pulse energy femtosecond laser system) to achieve a satisfactory capsulotomy. [J Refract Surg. 2022;38(9):587-594.].

• Authors: Stephen Stewart, Yu-Chi Liu, Melina Setiawan, Molly Tzu-Yu Lin, Isabelle Xin Yu Lee, Nigel Sim, Hla Myint Htoon, Hon Shing Ong, Jodhbir S Mehta
• Journal: Journal of refractive surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995) (J Refract Surg) Vol. 38 Issue 9 Pg. 587-594 (Sep 2022) ISSN: 1081-597X [Print] United States
• PMID: 36098390 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Interleukin-6
• Prostaglandins E

Topics

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (therapeutic use)
• Cataract (etiology)
• Humans
• Interleukin-6 (pharmacology)
• Laser Therapy (adverse effects)
• Lasers
• Miosis
• Prospective Studies
• Prostaglandins E (pharmacology)
• Pupil