Feasibility of using micromachines for cataract surgery

The results of an initial investigation into the feasibility of using micromachines for ophthalmic surgery are presented. The study concentrates on cataract surgery, and in particular the anterior capsulate method. The limitations on the machine size are that the micromachine must fit comfortably inside the anterior chamber of the eye and should not interfere with the cornea. Comparing the torque developed by a primitive machine to the torque required to cut through the lens of tissue of a pig´s eye, it is found that sufficient torque could be developed under certain conditions