In 2013, a total of 2,924 practice survey invitations were e-mailed from the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) office to society members. A total of 486 were completed, for a 17% response rate. Results were collected electronically, analyzed, and compared with previous ESCRS surveys. Below are some key findings on the adoption rate of LACS between 2011 and 2013.1

Figure 1. Early years of LACS growth: Penetration rate of the femtosecond laser among ESCRS members participating in the survey.

Figure 2. Reasons for not adopting LACS among the ESCRS members participating in the survey.

LACS AVAILABILITY AND ADOPTION

The growth of phaco in its early years, from 1985 to 1989, was more rapid than femtosecond laser growth. Access to the femtosecond laser increased, from 5% in 2011, to 10% in 2012, to 17% in 2013. Two percent were using the laser in 2011, 7% in 2012, and 9% in 2013 (Figure 1).

The primary reason for not adopting LACS was lack of cost effectiveness (Figure 2). Of surgeons who were interested in the procedure, the primary interest was in using the femtosecond laser for lens softening, followed by capsulotomy, astigmatic keratectomy and limbal relaxing incisions, and primary incisions.

1. Leaming D. Comparison of 2013 ESCRS member practice survey with past surveys. http://www.analeyz.com/20042013ESCRSSurveys.pdf. Accessed March 18, 2015.

David V. Leaming, MD
- President, The Vision Professionals, Palm Springs, California
- eyeopr8@aol.com
- Financial disclosure: Founder (Analeyz)