Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery

Employing a femtosecond laser as an initial step in cataract surgery has the clear potential to provide more precise capsulotomies and full lens fragmentation in cases of pre-existing astigmatism in conjunction with relaxing corneal incisions. In the long run femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery might replace phacoemulsification which has been the standard in cataract surgery over the last 20 years. Besides precision and predictability, the low rate of complications impresses surgeons working with the technology, particularly those employing a laser with a fluid-filled interface which seems to prevent major complications including increases in intraocular pressure.