Horizon Surgical Systems today announced the world’s first cataract surgery using its Polaris robotic-assisted surgical platform.
Dr. Uday Devgan, a cataract surgeon in Los Angeles, performed the procedure. Santa Monica–based Horizon says it marks a pivotal step toward a new standard of precision and safety in eye surgery.
“With Polaris, I experienced a new level of control that directly addresses those challenges,” Devgan said. “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.”
Horizon aims to advance microsurgery with automated, AI-enabled robotic technology. The company says its Polaris system leverages state-of-the-art robotics, advanced medical imaging and AI. It aims to extend the capabilities of surgeons beyond their current limitations.
The company believes Polaris offers the first surgical platform purpose-built for ophthalmology that fuses AI-driven visualization with micro-robotic control. It hopes to reduce variability, increase precision and integrate seamlessly into existing operating room workflows.
Last fall, the company raised $30 million in its Series A round to support the development of Polaris. Just last month, Horizon also added Dr. Rajesh K. Rajpal as its chief strategy and medical officer (CSO & CMO).
Horizon said it expects to treat additional patients and demonstrate the expanded capabilities of Polaris in the coming months. It hopes to secure FDA approval and bring the robot to market as well.
“This first-in-human procedure represents the culmination of more than a decade of innovation and the start of Polaris’ clinical journey,” said Dr. Jean Pierre Hubschman, founder and CEO of Horizon. “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.”
