Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery: A current review

Abstract

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, advantages, and limitations of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery through a review of the literature. A PubMed search was conducted using topic-appropriate keywords to screen and select articles. Initial research has shown appropriate safety and efficacy of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, with improvements in anterior capsulotomy, phacofragmentation, and corneal incision. Limitations of these studies include small sample size and short-term follow-up. Cost-benefit analysis has not yet been addressed. Preliminary data for femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery shows appropriate safety and efficacy, and possible advantage over conventional cataract surgery. Questions to eventually be answered include comparisons of long—term postoperative complication rates—including infection and visual outcomes-and analysis of contraindications and financial feasibility.

Endothelial cell loss and refractive predictability in femtosecond laser‐assisted cataract surgery compared with conventional cataract surgery

“…The recent introduction of femtosecond laser‐assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) has shown promising results (Moshirfar et al. ). This technique combines a high‐resolution anterior segment imaging system with a femtosecond laser (FL), which delivers short pulses (10 −15 seconds) of energy at near‐infrared wavelength, which can be focused at very specific depths within the anterior chamber.…”

Efficacy and safety of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus conventional phacoemulsification for cataract: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Therefore, several studies have reported that the application of FSL can alleviate corneal endothelial cell loss and corneal edema in the early postoperative period 13 18 19 20 . Another advantage of FLACS is able to create a more circular and precise capsulorrhexis, which can facilitate phacoemulsification and IOL implantation, and offer more accurate refractive outcomes after surgery 21 22 23 24 . However, some researches also suggested FLACS has not provide advantage over conventional CP, and it will not be a standard method for cataract surgery ten years from now 25 .…”

Femto-Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery: A Major Review

“…Active uveitis, thick scarred cornea, patients with active movement disorders like Parkinson's disease are still regarded as contraindication for this technology as complete laser penetration and docking are not possible in these cases. 5…”