Femtosecond laser technology

Despite early experience suggesting femtosecond laser technology lengthens cataract surgery, the technology will likely improve the reliability and safety of cataract surgery, Paul H Rosen MD, Oxford, UK, told the Combined Symposium of Cataract and Refractive Societies at the 2015  ASCRS/ASAO  Symposium in San Diego.

Properly organized, femtosecond laser technology might even improve operating room throughput because pre-cutting capsulotomies and pre-fragmenting lenses can reduce surgical times. Improved algorithms and imaging systems may even improve lens fragmentation to the point that phaco will be eliminated. Surgical skills will still be required to assess, plan and respond to complications in surgery, Dr Rosen said.

“FLACS is a tool for the surgeon, not to replace the surgeon, in the same way phaco is a tool.”