What Is Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery?
The role of femtosecond lasers in cataract surgery is to assist or replace several aspects of the manual cataract surgery. This includes the creation of the initial surgical incisions in the cornea, the creation of the capsulotomy, and the initial fragmenting (breaking up) of the lens. Femtosecond laser cataract surgery optimises the surgeon’s ability to achieve the best visual outcome.
The Laser Cataract Surgery Procedure Explained
Access to the cataract is initiated through small incisions, approximately 2mm in length, which are made into the peripheral cornea. Known as Clear Corneal Incisions (CCI), these incisions are generally considered to be self-sealing (that is no sutures are required). In comparison to traditional, larger incisions, CCI’s have reduced some potential complications and increased the speed of recovery from cataract surgery. The smaller incisions made for the femtosecond laser cataract surgery, also impact positively on the final visual outcome.
The femtosecond laser can create a near perfect, round opening in the anterior capsule by dissecting it with a spiral laser pattern crossing the anterior capsule. The femtosecond laser cataract surgeon is then able to simply remove the tissue. This is just one of several potential benefits of femtosecond laser cataract surgery over the manual cataract surgery procedure.
The ability to create a precise, well-centred capsulotomy helps optimise the surgeon’s ability to achieve the best visual outcome. This may prove to be the greatest potential advantage of femtosecond laser cataract surgery.
What are the Advantages of Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery?
In addition to the smaller incisions and ability to create a precise, well-centred capsulotomy, the femtosecond laser also has the capability to assist the fragmentation (breaking up) of the cataract. The laser applies several pulses to the lens in a pre-designed pattern, which then allows the femtosecond laser cataract surgeon to use current technology to remove the lens matter. This additional step has been shown to reduce the average time and energy required to break up and remove the lens, making the overall procedure safer and less traumatic to the eye. This benefit of laser cataract surgery may further reduce the risk of postoperative swelling and lead to a faster visual recovery. Below is just a short list of the benefits of laser cataract surgery.
- Blade-free incisions
- Astigmatism correction
- Perfectly centred capsulotomy for optimal visual results
- Optimised IOL stability
- Can lead to less corneal swelling and potentially faster visual recovery time
- Low complication rates
- Non-invasive steps
Please note: Cataract patients will require a referral letter to see the doctor, and will be charged for all consultations.
Make an Appointment Today!
If you want to start living a lifestyle free of cataracts, then you should consider femtosecond laser cataract surgery. Book an appointment today, and our team of eye surgery consultants at WA Laser Eye Centre can discuss the suitable treatment option for you.
If you would like to find out more about femtosecond laser cataract surgery contact us today. Or call our friendly team of eye consultants on (08) 9330 8463.
