Robotics in Vitreo-Retinal Surgery

Purpose Modern vitreo-retinal surgery has scaled new frontiers with the advent of better instrumentation. However, physiological tremors, intraocular dexterity and difficulty in visualization hamper minimally invasive retinal surgery. Robotics has the potential to overcome these limitations and improve surgical outcomes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the advances made in the field of robotics in vitreo-retinal surgery. Methods This review included 30 studies comprising randomized control trials, nonrandomized comparative studies and systematic reviews on the application of robotics in vitreo-retinal surgery. Results Robotic systems presently available in vitreo-retinal surgery can be broadly classified based on the extent of automation into five categories: robot-assisted, co-manipulated, tele-operated, partially/fully automated and magnetically controlled devices. Key features of individual devices are highlighted in this review. Robotic assistance in vitreo-retinal surgery can maximize performance for routine procedures, enable high-precision procedures such as targeted gene therapy and retinal vein cannulation, improve ergonomics, and revolutionize tele-surgery. Cost limitations and compatibility with available surgical systems are the barriers in implementation of robotics in retinal microsurgery. Conclusion This review provides a concise summary of the available robotic systems in vitreo-retinal surgery, advantages over conventional systems, current applications and future implications. Robotics is a rapidly evolving field, which holds great promise in the future of vitreo-retinal surgery.