State of the art of robotic surgery related to vision: brain and eye applications of newly available devices

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted surgery has revolutionized many surgical subspecialties, mainly where procedures have to be performed in confined, difficult to visualize spaces. Despite advances in general surgery and neurosurgery, in vivo application of robotics to ocular surgery is still in its infancy, owing to the particular complexities of microsurgery. The use of robotic assistance and feedback guidance on surgical maneuvers could improve the technical performance of expert surgeons during the initial phase of the learning curve. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of surgical robots, as well as the present applications and future outlook of robotics in neurosurgery in brain areas related to vision and ophthalmology. DISCUSSION: Limitations to robotic assistance remain, that need to be overcome before it can be more widely applied in ocular surgery. CONCLUSION: There is heightened interest in studies documenting computerized systems that filter out hand tremor and optimize speed of movement, control of force, and direction and range of movement. Further research is still needed to validate robot-assisted procedures.