A surgical robotics system developed at UCLA has achieved a major breakthrough in eye care by enabling the world’s first successful robotic assisted cataract surgeries, a development that could reshape how millions of patients worldwide regain their sight.
The procedures were completed by Horizon Surgical Systems using its Polaris robotic platform. In the first in human trial, ten patients underwent standard cataract operations in which surgeons controlled robotic arms from a cockpit and performed microscopic corneal incisions, removed clouded natural lenses, and implanted clear artificial lenses. The system delivered exceptional precision and consistency throughout each step of the surgery.
The Polaris system integrates robotics, advanced imaging and real time AI guided feedback. Surgeons sit at a 3D display cockpit and operate interchangeable microsurgical tools inside the eye. The platform overlays visual guidance and provides tactile feedback, reducing human tremor and minimizing variability between surgeons.
Laboratory testing had already shown that the system could achieve tooltip level accuracy of about 0.053 millimeters, far beyond what the human hand can reliably maintain.
Cataracts remain one of the leading causes of blindness globally. While traditional cataract surgery is safe and common, outcomes can vary depending on surgeon experience, case complexity, and technique. Robotics assisted surgery aims to standardize results, improve patient safety and expand access to high quality eye care.
Surgeons believe the technology can deliver consistently strong outcomes even in complicated cases and help relieve pressure caused by rising demand and shortages of trained specialists. For patients in underserved or remote areas, such a system could eventually bring world class ophthalmic care much closer to home.
Horizon Surgical Systems and UCLA researchers emphasize that Polaris is still an investigational platform. Additional clinical trials, technical refinements and regulatory approvals lie ahead before the system can be widely adopted.
“This milestone demonstrates the strength of UCLA’s innovation ecosystem,” said Amir Naiberg, associate vice chancellor and president and CEO of the Technology Development Group.