Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery, beginning of a new era in cataract surgery

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze and understand the mechanism of action, effectiveness, cost and time benefits, advantages and disadvantages of the femtosecond laser (FSL) assisted cataract surgery. A PubMed search was done using the topic and the keywords. Research shows considerable improvements in corneal incisions, anterior capsulotomy, and phacofragmentation using FSL. We will also discuss and compare FSL with conventional cataract extraction techniques in terms of both short-term and long-term advantages and disadvantages. Limitations of the studies reviewed include small sample size and short-term follow-up. The major dilemma is still considered to be its heavy financial feasibility to date.

Keywords

• Capsulotomy
• cataract
• clear corneal incision
• femtosecond laser
• LensAR
• LenSx and Victus
• OptiMedica
• phacoemulsification
• phacofragmentation