Robotic eye surgery

Recent news releases have detailed the use of robotic eye surgery in a study conducted in Europe. In the study, a robot was used to assist ophthalmologists (eye surgeons) in removing epiretinal membranes (ERMs), a film of tissue, from the surface of the retina. This is extremely delicate work, and the researchers suggest that the use of a robot to assist in the surgery can potentially make the surgery safer and more effective.

Robots have been used to assist in surgery in other parts of the body, but this is the first such attempt in the human eye. Robots afford capabilities that a human cannot replicate, no matter how skilled. For instance, the pulse of blood in a surgeon’s hands can cause unwanted microscopic movements. Additionally, robots can articulate their “joints” in many more directions than a human.

With all of that said, don’t expect robotic eye surgery to become mainstream anytime soon. For one, the surgical robots will no doubt be prohibitively expensive for years to come, not to mention the difficulties of getting FDA approval in the United States. Furthermore, just because a robot can do surgery doesn’t mean that it’s better or achieves better outcomes for patients. Much larger studies would need to be performed to demonstrate a clinical meaningful benefit to patients across a population.

The idea that a technological “advancement” doesn’t necessarily equate to improved clinical outcomes is not a new idea to the field of ophthalmology. Recently, laser cataract surgery performed by a femtosecond laser has been popularized; however, large studies have repeatedly failed to show any benefit on final visual outcome with laser cataract surgery. This is the primary reason Dr. Potthoff does not “sell” laser cataract surgery to his patients, preferring instead to focus on techniques and technologies that can actually improve their final visual outcome, and ultimately satisfaction.