Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery for complex cataracts - A review

• Published in: Indian journal of ophthalmology Vol. 72; no. 5; pp. 629 - 636
• Main Authors: Chen, David Z, Chee, Soon-Phaik
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 01.05.2024; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Edition: 2
• Subjects: Cataract; Cataract - complications; Cataract Extraction - methods; Cataracts; complex cataract; Cornea; Endothelial cells; femtosecond laser; Humans; Laser Therapy - methods; Review; Review Article; subluxated lens; Surgery; Visual Acuity; white cataract; India; Complex cataract; femtosecond laser; white cataract; subluxated lens
• ISSN: 0301-4738; 1998-3689; 1998-3689
• DOI: 10.4103/IJO.IJO_2996_23

Since its inception in 2009, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) has become an alternative to conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery (CPCS). Clinical studies were unable to demonstrate superior visual outcomes, but revealed reduced endothelial cell loss. More recently, the cost-effectiveness of FLACS over CPCS in routine cataract surgeries has been challenged. However, the unique abilities of FLACS to customize anterior capsulotomies precisely, soften and fragment the nucleus without capsular bag stress, and create corneal incisions may have special utility in complex cataract and less-common scenarios. In this article, we review the unique role of FLACS in complex cataract surgeries and how it could play a role to improve the safety and predictability of nonroutine cataract surgery.