How a femtosecond laser increases safety and precision in cataract surgery?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To look at the recent applications of femtosecond laser (FSL) technology for capsulotomy and nuclear fragmentation in cataract surgery, the potential advantages, such as more precise and adjustable capsulotomies and the use of less phaco energy with this technology.

RECENT FINDINGS: The FSL can create incisions or spaces of different shapes, at a desired depth. This has started the application of the technology in the lens: after a clear image is taken of the lens through a previously dilated pupil, circular capsulotomy is done, with precision in shape and diameter, and in most cases, just needs to be grabbed, or requires very small use of the with the forceps. Then photofragmentation of the nucleus is done, without the risk of damaging the posterior capsule, because it is well visualized, to achieve the aspiration of the nuclear material without applying phaco energy, in the soft or medium-hard nucleus, but eventually in almost all nucleus.

SUMMARY: FSL is now used at the level of the lens, with the potentiality for very precise circular and adjustable diameter capsulotomies, and the fragmentation of the nuclear material, allowing the aspiration of the material and less emulsification especially in soft nucleus.