Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Pediatric Cataract Surgery: Bochum Capsulotomy Formular

Anterior and posterior capsulorhexis in pediatric cataract surgery are manual demanding. With the Bochum Formular it was possible for the first time to use the image-guided femtosecond laser in pediatric cataract surgery and calculated the estimated size of the capsulotomy. The aim of this trial was to reevaluate and update the Bochum formular with a higher number of patients.

Prospective case trial 

In this prospective trial a laser-assisted pediatric capsulotomy was performed in 75 eyes (patient age 0 to 18 years) under sterile conditions. The aimed capsulotomy diameter was calculated with the Bochum formular. During surgery the capsulotomy diameter was digital and manual measured. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to evaluate the relationship between the programmed capsulotomy diameter and the achieved capsulotomy diameter.

The enlargement of the capsulotomy showed a highly significant negative correlation with patient age. Using linear bivalent regression analysis, three new age-depending correction formulas were developed (1. 0 to <1 year; 2. >1 to 8 years; 3. 8 to 18 years). In none of the patients a capsule rupture occurred.

The new Bochum formula set for pediatric laser capsulotomies can help to minimize the age dependent deviation from the targeted diameter. Anterior and posterior laser capsulotomies in children were safe to perform and offer great conditions for intraocular lens implantation at the time of surgery or in a second procedure.