Robot‑assisted surgery uses robotic systems controlled by surgeons to perform precise movements inside the body. In ophthalmology, it is being developed mainly for delicate retinal and microsurgical procedures.
Potential Advantages
Robotic platforms can filter tremor, scale motion, and hold instruments steadily, enabling highly controlled manoeuvres such as microinjections or membrane peeling. They may allow new treatments that are too fine for the human hand alone.
- Early clinical trials have demonstrated feasibility for retinal vein cannulation and subretinal delivery
- Systems usually operate under direct surgeon control rather than autonomy
- Integration with imaging like OCT can guide real‑time movements
- Set‑up time and cost currently limit widespread adoption
Future Role
As technology matures, robot‑assisted ophthalmic surgery could improve consistency and expand procedural options. For now, it remains limited to specialised research centres.
- Training and credentialing requirements are evolving
- Safety protocols ensure rapid conversion to manual surgery if needed
- Patients in trials must provide informed consent about experimental aspects
- Experience from other surgical fields informs design and implementation
