A ground-breaking advancement in cataract surgery has been achieved through robotic assistance by an ophthalmologist.
Dr Uday Devgan, a globally recognised expert in cataract and refractive surgery and a former professor at UCLA, co-led the world’s first human clinical trial of robotic-assisted cataract surgery.
Using the Horizon Surgical System’s Polaris robotic platform – developed by UCLA engineers and physicians – he performed the procedure on 10 patients.
The Polaris system, designed specifically for ophthalmic surgery, combines micro-robotic control with AI-driven visualisation to standardise key steps and improve consistency.
Dr Devgan said: ‘For the future of cataract surgery, I believe we are entering an era in which robotic-assisted techniques will become the standard of care, just like Kelman’s phacoemulsification changed cataract surgery forever. Over the coming years, patients could benefit from remarkably predictable outcomes, and surgeons will be able to operate with a new level of confidence. The technology can reduce variability between surgeons, decrease the influence of fatigue or hand motion tremor, and ensure that even challenging cases can be tackled with enhanced safety.’
Each patient underwent a standard cataract operation with the robotic platform.
The robotic cockpit incorporates a specialised input device that provides real-time augmentation, guidance overlays and tactile paddles.
At the same time, the surgeon views a 3D monitor showing ocular anatomy captured by multimodal imaging systems – a notable advance in visualisation for an operation performed within anatomical structures sensitive to micron-level alterations.
The robot used interchangeable microsurgical tools to make small corneal incisions and remove the cataract-affected lens.
Dr Devgan and his ophthalmologic colleague then implanted a clear, patient-specific artificial lens to restore 20/20 vision.
Cataract surgery is among the most commonly performed procedures globally, with more than 25 million operations each year.
Dr Devgan added: ‘With the Polaris system, the goal is that this level of precision, accuracy and safety becomes routine, not exceptional. Furthermore, the rising global demand for cataract surgery means the challenges of workforce shortages, variable surgeon training and access disparities cannot be ignored. The Polaris platform explicitly aims to help address these challenges. By enabling more consistent outcomes, the technology allows surgical practices to scale safely, supports less-experienced surgeons, and may facilitate outreach efforts in underserved regions. This means that the future of cataract surgery could see more patients receiving world class care, irrespective of geography or surgeon volume.’
Although access to robotic-assisted cataract surgery will remain limited as the technology advances, this innovation could ultimately transform the field by offering more precise tools and improved outcomes.
To watch a video of the procedure, click here
