Industry News
First Robotic-Assisted Cataract Procedure Signals Shift in Eye Surgery Standards
In a milestone for ophthalmic surgery, Horizon Surgical Systems has announced it has completed the world’s first cataract procedure using its Polaris™ robotic-assisted platform. The breakthrough was carried out by veteran cataract surgeon Dr Uday Devgan in Los Angeles, marking a new frontier in combining robotics and AI in eye surgery.
Cataract surgery is among the most commonly performed operations globally, with millions of procedures annually in the U.S. alone. While generally safe and effective, outcomes can vary depending on the surgeon’s technique, case complexity, or consistency across procedures. Horizon contends that the Polaris system may help reduce that variability.
Polaris is said to fuse AI-driven visualisation with micro-robotic control, designed specifically for ophthalmic applications. The system aims to assist the surgeon in refining movements, increasing precision, and reducing human error, while integrating with existing operating room workflows. According to Horizon, the technology does not replace the surgeon but augments their capability to deliver more consistent and reliable outcomes.
“Every cataract patient deserves the same level of safety, precision, and visual outcome, but the reality is that even the best surgeons can encounter subtle inconsistencies across procedures,” said Dr. Devgan. “With Polaris, I experienced a new level of control that directly addresses those challenges. It has the potential to deliver more reliable outcomes for patients while giving surgeons the confidence that every case can be approached with greater consistency.”
“This first-in-human procedure represents the culmination of more than a decade of innovation and the start of Polaris’ clinical journey,” said Jean Pierre Hubschman, M.D., founder and CEO of Horizon. “Polaris was designed to extend surgeons’ capabilities by delivering greater precision while enhancing safety and efficiency in ophthalmic surgery. Achieving the world’s first successful robotic cataract surgery is a landmark milestone that underscores how robotics and AI can help address some of the most pressing challenges in global eye care.”
Horizon plans to treat additional patients in coming months to further validate the Polaris system’s capabilities. The company has its sights set on securing U.S. FDA approval and launching commercial operations.
