Isolated Capsulorhexis Flap Technique in Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery to Protect the Corneal Endothelial Cells

Purpose: To present a novel technique that using capsulorhexis flap to protect corneal endothelial cells during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. Methods: During the procedure, an isolated capsulorhexis flap was used to lift it up carefully by using OVD until the flap attached to the corneal inner layer. It kept steady during the phaco phase, and been removed by I/A tip after intraocular lens implantation. Results: In our pilot study, the damage to the corneal endothelial cells from the phacoemulsification procedure were no more than the traditional phaco procedure, even femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery. Conclusion: Isolated capsulorhexis flap technique initiate a new approach to protect the endothelial cell. It is a simple technique with a short learning curve, but still need a further investigation to prove the protection of corneal endothelial cells.