Femtosecond Laser in Cataract Surgery: A Necessity?
Purpose
To evaluate the advantage of femtosecond laser technology in certain challenging cataract surgery cases.
Methods
Femtosecond Laser was used in cases of pseudoexfoliation, subluxed cataracts and patients with anterior corneal dystrophy to create capsulorhexis and astigmatic keratotomies to determine advantage over routine technology.
Results
In cases of weak zonules (pseduoexfoliation) or subluxed lens, a consistent and confident capsulorhexis can make or break the case. This viture of a femtosecond laser makes it nearly indispensable in safe outcomes. Additionally, femtosecond laser astigmatic keratotomies can be made neatly (without epithelial disruption) in cases of anterior corneal dystrophies to a symptom free postop period.
Conclusion
The ability of the femtosecond laser to perform consistent capsulorhexis and intra-stromal cuts in such cases could make it a necessity rather than an option in today's day and age.