Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)

What Is FLACS?

FLACS is an advanced surgical method that performs certain stages of cataract surgery with computer-controlled laser technology. “Femtosecond” refers to one quadrillionth of a second, and these ultra-short laser pulses provide micron-level precision.

Unlike the conventional method, corneal incisions, opening of the lens capsule, and fragmentation of the lens are performed by the laser.

How Does It Work?

The system emits pulses in extremely small fractions of a second to:

• Create corneal incisions
• Open the lens capsule (capsulorhexis) symmetrically
• Break the cataractous lens into fragments
• Cause minimal damage to surrounding tissue

The Difference Between FLACS and the Conventional Method

In the conventional method, the incisions and capsule opening are performed manually by the surgeon, whereas FLACS uses a computer-controlled system. The femtosecond laser allows for lower ultrasound energy use, creates a more even capsule opening, and stabilizes lens centration.

Surgical Process

1. Detailed preoperative evaluation and lens calculations
2. Laser phase: corneal incisions and capsulorhexis
3. Fragmentation of the lens with the laser
4. Removal of remnants with ultrasound
5. Placement of the artificial intraocular lens

The procedure takes an average of 10–15 minutes.

Advantages

• High precision: Micron-level control
• Less energy: Better preservation of corneal cells
• Faster recovery: Less tissue trauma
• Astigmatism correction: The ability to reduce astigmatism through the incisions
• Suitability for premium lenses: Stable results in premium lens applications

Suitable Patients

• Those with severely hard cataracts
• Diabetic patients
• Those with a sensitive corneal structure
• Patients considering a trifocal/multifocal (premium) lens