PILOT TRIAL RESULTS OF LASER SCLERAL MICROPORATION IN PRESBYOPIC EYES

To evaluate visual benefit of Laser Scleral Microporation (LSM) in presbyopic eyes

Augenklinik Cham 

Scleral microporations were performed in critical zones in four quadrants using an Er:YAG laser to improve pliability & biomechanical efficiency of the accommodative apparatus for 22 patients. Patients were over 40 years of age with demonstrated loss of accommodative abilty. Visual outcomes were assessed using the Early Diabetic Retinopathy Study (EDTRS) logMAR charts with and without correction at distance, 60cm and 40cm.    

LSM provided improved uncorrected monocular UDVA, UIVA, UNVA from 0.02, 0.20 and 0.43 preoperatively to -0.02, 0.02 and 0.20 at 6 months respectively postoperatively.  Distance corrected intermediate and near visual acuity (DCIVA, DCNVA) improved from 0.18 and 0.46 to 0.00 and 0.19 respectively postoperatively with no reduction in distance vision. Spherical equivalent of the manifest refraction was not significantly different from 0.18D (SD 0.27D) preoperatively to 0.21D (SD 0.27) six months postoperatively.  Refractive power required to read letters at the logMAR 0.00 level dropped from 2.03D (mean) to 1.15D (mean) at 6 months post-operatively.  

Early clinical trial results suggest LSM to be a safe and effective procedure for restoring range of visual performance in presbyopes. Early results also suggest that LSM can improve intermediate and near visual acuity without touching the visual axis and without comprising distance vision. Data collection is ongoing.