FLACS Q & A
FLACS (Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract
Surgery)
In FLACS, a femtosecond laser is used to assist the doctor instead of a hand-held
device with steel or a diamond blade. This increases the accuracy and the
chances of getting the best possible vision.
FLACS vs. Phaco
The femtosecond laser technology that brought new levels of safety,
accuracy and predictability to LASIK surgery is also advancing cataract surgery. This
latest procedure is known as Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS), as
well as laser cataract surgery.
In the cataract surgery, an advanced femtosecond laser replaces or assist the use of
hand-held surgical device for the following steps in the surgery
- The corneal incision
- The anterior capsulotomy
- Lens and cataract fragmentation
Use of a laser can improve the precision, accuracy and reproducibility of each of these
steps, potentially reducing risks and improving visual outcomes of cataract surgery.
The corneal incision –
In Phaco cataract surgery, the doctor uses a hand-held instrument with a
metal or diamond blade to create an incision. This incision allows the surgeon to gain
access to the interior of the eye to break up and remove the cataract, which is a
clouding of the eye's natural lens.
Next, an intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted and implanted, to replace the
cloudy natural lens.
In laser cataract surgery, the surgeon creates a precise surgical plan for
the corneal incision with a sophisticated 3-D image of the eye called an OCT. The aim is
to create an incision with a specific location, depth and length in all planes, and with
the OCT image and a femtosecond laser, it can be performed with a very high degree of
precision.
This is important not only for accuracy but also for increasing the likelihood that the
incision will be self-sealing at the end of the procedure, which reduces the risk of
infection.
The capsulotomy –
The eye's natural lens is surrounded by a very thin, clear capsule. In
cataract surgery, the front portion of the capsule is removed to gain access to the
cataract.
It is very important that the remainder of the lens capsule that remains
intact in the eye is not damaged during cataract surgery, because it must hold the
artificial lens implant in place for the rest of the patient's life.
In Phaco cataract surgery, the doctor creates an opening in the capsule
with a small needle and then uses that same needle or a forceps to tear the capsule in a
circular fashion.
In FLACS cataract surgery, the anterior capsulotomy is performed with a femtosecond
laser. Studies have shown that capsulotomies performed with a femtosecond laser have
greater accuracy and reproducibility.
Lens and Cataract Fragmentation –
After the capsulotomy, the surgeon now has access to the cataract to remove
it.
In Phaco cataract surgery, the ultrasonic device that breaks up the
cataract is inserted into the incision. In FLACS , femtosecond laser softens the
cataract as it breaks up. Femtosecond laser reduces the energy required and increases
the precision that helps in achieving the better results.
Which one is better?
Phaco is very effective and successful, but if you want the best possible vision, FLACS
is the best available option right now.
