Robotic Eye Surgery: Past, Present, and Future

Purpose: To review past attempts, current innovations, and future goals of robotic eye surgery. Methods: A Medline literature search using the words “robot” and “ophthalmology” was performed to identify all relevant literature. Pertinent articles were reviewed and content summarized based on context. Results: Purported potential benefits of robotic-assisted eye surgery include improved precision, reduced tremor, amplified scale of motion, and the potential of automation and telesurgical operation. Several investigators have created devices capable of performing individual intraocular tasks, and efforts are underway to develop platforms designed to allow completion of entire ophthalmic procedures. Conclusion: Although obstacles such as cost and availability exist, prior successes and future benefits of robotic eye surgery are promising reasons for the continuation of research efforts.

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