Effectiveness, Stability and Influence Factors of Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery

Phase

N/A

Condition

Eye Disorders/infections

Eye Disease

Astigmatism

Treatment

femtosecond laser-assisted arcuate keratotomy (FSAK) combined with standard cataract surgery

Clinical Study ID

NCT07081919

FSAK during cataract surgery

Ages 20-80
All Genders

Study Summary

What is this study about? This study looks at whether a laser procedure called femtosecond laser-assisted arcuate keratotomy (FSAK) helps people with both cataracts and mild astigmatism see more clearly after cataract surgery. Astigmatism causes blurry vision because the front of the eye (cornea) is curved unevenly. The FSAK procedure uses a computer-guided laser to make tiny, precise cuts in the cornea during cataract surgery to fix this curve. the investigators want to see if this improves vision long-term (up to 5 years) and what factors affect how the investigatorsll it works.

Who can join? the investigators are looking for adults aged 20-80 years who:

Have cataracts and mild-to-moderate astigmatism (0.75-2.0 diopters) Plan to have cataract surgery Have not had prior eye surgeries (like LASIK) Do not have severe dry eye or other eye diseases (like glaucoma or retina problems) What will happen in the study?

Surgery: Participants will have cataract surgery combined with the FSAK procedure. The surgeon uses a laser to make tiny curved cuts in the cornea to reshape it.

Follow-up visits: Participants will have regular eye check-ups for 5 years after surgery. These include:

Vision tests (reading eye charts) Measurements of the eye's shape using painless imaging machines Questionnaires about vision quality and daily activities Time commitment: Visits happen at 1 the investigatorsek, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years after surgery. Each visit takes about 1-2 hours.

Why is this study important? FSAK may help people with astigmatism see clearly after cataract surgery without needing glasses as often. By tracking results for 5 years, the investigators'll learn how long the benefits last and who benefits most. This could help doctors better personalize treatment in the future.

Who is running the study? Eye doctors at Fudan University Eye & ENT Hospital (Shanghai) and Shanghai Peace Eye Hospital. About 105 people will take part.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria

Age: 20-80 years
Age-related cataracts
Regular corneal astigmatism (0.75-2.0 diopters) confirmed by Pentacam/IOLMaster 700
Surgical Plan: Scheduled for femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery
Central corneal thickness ≥500 µm
Endothelial cell count ≥2,000 cells/mm²
Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvable to ≥20/40

Exclusion Criteria

Prior corneal refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK)
Intraocular surgery (e.g., glaucoma filtering surgery)
Irregular astigmatism (keratoconus, scarring, post-traumatic distortion)
Active ocular inflammation or infection
Corneal endothelial disease (e.g., Fuchs' dystrophy)
Severe dry eye (Schirmer test ≤5 mm/5 min)
Uncontrolled glaucoma (IOP >21 mmHg on medication)
Macular pathology (e.g., AMD, DME affecting visual potential)
Amblyopia
Autoimmune diseases affecting cornea (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome)
Diabetes mellitus with retinopathy
Pregnancy/Lactation
Inability to complete 5-year follow-up

Study Design

femtosecond laser-assisted arcuate keratotomy (FSAK) combined with standard cataract surgery

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2031

Study Description

Study Description for General Audience

What's the problem? Many people with cataracts also have an irregularly curved front surface of the eye (called astigmatism). After cataract surgery, this astigmatism can still cause blurry or distorted vision, making everyday tasks like reading or driving difficult. While glasses or special lenses can help, many hope to reduce their dependence on them after surgery.

What's being tested?

This study evaluates a laser procedure called Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Arcuate Keratotomy (FSAK). During cataract surgery:

A computer-guided laser makes tiny, curved incisions in the cornea (the eye's clear front window).

These precise incisions gently reshape the cornea to improve its natural curve. Think of it like a sculptor smoothing uneven surfaces-but using light-speed technology.

Why is this study unique?

While FSAK isn't brand new, the investigators lack long-term data on:

How the investigatorsll it holds up over 5+ years. Which factors predict success (e.g., does participantsr eye's shape or pressure affect results?).

the investigators're following participants for 5 years to ansthe investigatorsr these questions-far longer than most existing studies.

What will participants experience?

Surgery: FSAK is combined with standard cataract removal. The laser step adds only minutes.

Follow-ups: Painless check-ups at 1 the investigatorsek, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years after surgery. These involve:

Reading eye charts. Quick scans to map the eye's surface. Short questionnaires about vision quality (e.g., glare at night or reading small print).

Why does this matter?

If successful, FSAK could:

Help people see clearly longer after cataract surgery.
Reduce the need for glasses or contacts.
Give doctors better tools to personalize treatment.

Who's involved?

Led by eye specialists at Fudan University Eye & ENT Hospital and Shanghai Peace Eye Hospital.

Connect with a study center

Eye and Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University
Shanghai, Shanghai 200031
China
Active - Recruiting

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