Laser is a blessing in medical science. Presently it has been implemented in every sector of health care. The laser makes the surgical process risk-free, quick healing, less painful, and fast recovery. The laser makes most of the surgical process less invasive by less cutting and stitching.
Laser plays a crucial role in ophthalmology. This technology has been used in cataract surgery since the 1970s. First, it was used for phacopuncture.3 in 1987. Dr. Peyman and Katoh then discovered the Erbium laser (Photoablation. 4).
Then after that, experts used both of these methods in ocular surgery, which eventually helped scientists to discover the cutting-edge method of FSL-assisted cataract surgery, also known as FLACS. This is a high-accuracy technique where precision meets sixth sigma success. With the help of laser lens implants have become super updated, surgeons can provide their patients a near-perfect vision. They use premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) in this surgery method to get the optimal level of performance.
Femtosecond laser; What is the actual mechanism of action
The Femto Second Laser ( FLS) is performed by tissue disruption through a near-infrared scanning pulse with a focus of 3 micrometers with an accuracy of 1 micrometer. Targeted tissue is vaporized by photo disruption, which happens through a few consecutive steps.
The focused laser energy elevates to its peak, where plasma is generated. Next, the plasma expands & produces a shock wave, & thereby cavitating the tissue through bubble formation.
Next, the bubble gradually increases its volume, collapses, and separates the targeted tissue.
FSL functions better at an infrared wavelength, and optically clear tissues do not absorb it. Therefore, FLS surgery is the most suitable option for cataracts at the anterior chamber in multiple depths, as it has optically clear tissue space. Cornea doesn’t absorb near-infrared wavelength, and these waves can disappear within 10 micro-meters from the target tissue behind the cornea.
Why should we consider it?
Femto Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery, or FLACS, makes cataract surgery less complicated because it has been substituted for many steps during cataract surgery. In laser surgery, surgeons do not use a blade to soften the cataract. Instead, use a laser to remove the cataract tissue. The FLACS also treats mild astigmatism by relaxing the cornea by invading to its right depth, length, and orientation. Laser is more precise and effective than open surgery (which is painful indeed).
FLACS improves the quality of vision by minimizing visual aberration, correcting astigmatism, and enhancing the quality of vision.
Femto laser surgery VS Traditional cataract surgery
Traditional Cataract Surgery: It is a complicated, primitive technique of Cataract removal. It requires 20 minutes. Here the eye surgeon makes a small incision in the patient’s eye. They use a small ultrasound probe to break and eliminate cataracts and replace a new lens. Now doctors don’t stitch; instead, they use a patch or a bandage over the area to protect the eyes area after surgery.
Current femtosecond laser-assisted surgery; The advanced technology with high precisions
Femtosecond laser-assisted surgery is a very advanced technique to remove the cataract from the root. It is complicated and not so straightforward. To do so, a surgeon needs years of experience along with high competency. The surgery offers the best outcome, and the patient recovers quickly without complications. Therefore, Femtosecond laser-assisted surgery has become the most approachable procedure for cataract removal nowadays.
Let’s talk about Femtosecond laser-assisted corneal incisions.
Few experts performed a cadaver eye study where they reviewed the reduced leakage, added stability, & reproducibility at different IOPs after FSL-guided corneal incision. Moreover, they also observed that in Femto, they could also make an incision in another way; it is the method of Self Sealing.
Every surgery has a different range of complications; Femto is also uncommon.
There are certain complications, and we must know about them. A competent and skillful doctor only takes care of these to make the surgery flawless.
Let’s check out the complications:
Opaque Bubble Layer: This incident takes place when the gas bubbles sublimate at the upper layer of the eyes and interfere with the laser functions, which doesn’t allow the laser to work properly.
Transient Light Sensitivity Syndrome: These issues are very uncommon and arise occasionally; light-sensitive people usually suffer from this kind of syndrome which causes severe vision problems after surgery. Here doctors use topical steroids to treat these kinds of conditions.
Rainbow Glare: It occurs due to subtle irregularities on the back side of the eye flap arising during the surgery. The consequence is the appearance of a multi-color brand of light in the source of vision or when the patient is looking toward the white light source.
Conclusion: Femtosecond laser cataract surgery is an evolving technique that removes cataracts in a completely non-invasive way and makes the process fast healing than traditional eye surgery. It has fewer complications, making it most favorable for eye surgeons and patients. But we suggest you get your surgery done by highly competent doctors for sixth sigma accuracy.