Review: Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS): An overview

Abstract

Age-related cataract is one of the most important causes of visual impairment, and cataract surgery is one of  the commonest surgeries performed worldwide. Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) is a  new and promising technology in the arena of cataract operations. Femtosecond lasers (FSL) are used in  cataract surgery for performing anterior capsulotomy, fragmentation of the lens, corneal incisions and limbal relaxing incisions. Results in most cases have been quite promising. FSL-created capsulotomies are more accurate in size, centration and circularity, and are reproducible. Positioning of the intraocular lens is also  better. FSL systems also reduce the ultrasonic energy utilization for all grades of cataract. Better corneal  incisions and limbal relaxing incisions (for astigmatism correction) may be added benefits. Femtosecond laser  assisted cataract surgery may prove to be one of most important developments in the modern era of cataract surgery. However, FLACS has been around for a relatively short time. More longterm data may better prove  its efficacy in the years to come.

KEY WORDS: Cataract; Femtosecond laser; Capsulotomy; Corneal incisions; Lens fragmentation;  Phacoemulsification