+200,000
Operations Performed

Prof. Dr. Efekan Coşkunseven
Laser Refractive Surgery

Personalized and
Internationally Referenced Approach to Refractive Errors

+30 Years
Experience
+50,000 Keratoconus Treatments
Current Treatment Protocols
International Publications
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Firsts in Turkey and the World

2001
Performed the first LASIK surgery with Wavelight Excimer Laser in Turkey
2003
Performed the first IntraLase femtosecond laser LASIK surgery in Turkey.
2004
Performed the first Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL)
treatment in Turkey
2004
First femtosecond laser-assisted intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation in Turkey
2004

He established Turkey's first Keratoconus Diagnosis and Treatment Center.
After
First TopoLaser treatment in Turkey and Combined
(Ring + CCL + Laser) treatments

He is a globally recognized authority in keratoconus, whose treatment protocols have informed the training of numerous physicians worldwide.

Femtosecond Laser: What It Is and Its Role in Eye Treatment

Eye surgery has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, driven by advances in technology. One such advance is Femtosecond Laser technology. Operating through ultra-short laser pulses, this system enables exceptionally precise work on ocular tissue.

The femtosecond laser is not a treatment for any specific condition in its own right. It is, rather, an advanced technology used across a range of eye surgeries — applicable at particular stages of a planned procedure in suitable patients.

This article provides a detailed overview of what femtosecond laser technology is, which eye surgeries it is used in, and its role in conditions such as keratoconus.

What Is Femtosecond Laser Technology?

The femtosecond laser takes its name from the duration of its pulses. One femtosecond is one quadrillionth of a second — an almost inconceivably brief interval. It is precisely this brevity that allows the laser to work with exceptional accuracy within ocular tissue.

This technology is used primarily in corneal surgery. The laser beam creates microscopic bubbles at a predetermined location within the eye, causing the tissue layers to separate. This can reduce the need for conventional surgical instruments at certain stages of the procedure.

The purpose of the femtosecond laser is to help the surgeon carry out the planned procedure with greater control and precision.

How Does Femtosecond Laser Work in Eye Surgery?

The femtosecond laser system operates under computer control. Before surgery, the eye is measured in detail and a treatment plan is established. The laser device then delivers ultra-short energy pulses according to that plan.

These pulses make it possible to:

  • Create incisions with micron-level precision

  • Separate corneal tissue in a controlled manner

  • Make the surgical procedure more predictable

These characteristics can offer meaningful advantages in laser eye surgery. However, the choice of technique is determined entirely through a thorough clinical examination.

Which Eye Treatments Use Femtosecond Laser?

Femtosecond laser technology can be used across a variety of eye surgeries. The most common applications include:

Laser Eye Surgery

Femtosecond technology can be employed in certain laser procedures used to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, enabling highly precise work on the cornea.

SMILE Laser Treatment

SMILE, one of the minimally invasive laser approaches, also makes use of femtosecond laser technology. This method may be an option for suitable candidates.

Cataract Surgery

Femtosecond laser-assisted surgery can be applied in certain modern cataract procedures, helping to create more precise incisions at specific stages of the operation.

Corneal Surgery

Femtosecond laser may also be used in selected corneal surgeries, including corneal transplantation, allowing tissues to be prepared more uniformly.

Is Femtosecond Laser Used in Keratoconus Treatment?

Keratoconus is an eye condition in which the cornea progressively thins and bulges forward into a cone shape. The treatment approach depends on the stage of the disease.

Femtosecond laser is not a direct treatment for keratoconus. It can, however, be used as an adjunct technology within certain surgical procedures.

For example:

Intracorneal Ring Segment Implantation

In patients with keratoconus, femtosecond laser can be used to create the channels through which intracorneal ring segments are implanted to improve vision.

Corneal Transplantation

In advanced keratoconus cases requiring corneal transplantation, femtosecond laser technology can assist with surgical planning.

DALK Surgery

This technology may also be used in certain corneal surgeries known as deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK).

Whether any of these procedures is appropriate can only be determined following a thorough eye examination.

Advantages of Femtosecond Laser Technology

Femtosecond laser technology can offer several important advantages in eye surgery.

High precision
Because the laser pulses are extremely brief, controlled work on tissue becomes achievable.

Personalised planning
Pre-operative measurements allow the surgical plan to be prepared in greater detail.

Controlled surgical process
Computer-assisted systems enable the planned surgical steps to be executed with precision.

The same approach is not suitable for every patient, however. The most appropriate plan is established after a thorough evaluation.

Who Is a Candidate for Femtosecond Laser?

The use of femtosecond laser technology depends on a number of factors, including:

  • Corneal thickness

  • Refractive error

  • Ocular surface health

  • Patient age

  • Overall eye health

among other criteria.

For this reason, the most appropriate technique can only be confirmed following a comprehensive eye examination.

How Is the Procedure Planned?

For procedures involving femtosecond laser, the general process is as follows:

  1. A detailed eye examination is performed

  2. Ocular measurements are taken

  3. The appropriate treatment method is determined

  4. A procedure plan is established

  5. Recovery is monitored through follow-up examinations

Each patient's treatment plan may differ.

Eye Surgeon Performing Femtosecond Laser in Istanbul

The technologies used in eye surgery have advanced considerably in recent years. The femtosecond laser is one such technology — a modern system that assists in achieving high-precision outcomes across certain eye surgeries.

In Istanbul, femtosecond laser technology is applicable in eye surgeries including laser eye surgery, selected corneal procedures, and certain cataract operations. Its use is assessed by the surgeon based on the type of procedure required and the individual patient's ocular anatomy.

Prof. Dr. Efekan Coşkunseven, who specialises in corneal diseases and laser eye surgery, evaluates each patient through a detailed eye examination to determine the treatment options most suited to them. Because every patient's ocular anatomy is unique, the chosen approach is planned on an individual basis.

In procedures that utilise femtosecond laser technology, the aim is to assist in planning the surgical process with greater control. The most appropriate method, however, can only be confirmed following an evaluation by a specialist.

Patients seeking information about vision problems, corneal conditions such as keratoconus, or laser eye surgery are welcome to schedule a consultation to learn which treatment options are most appropriate for them.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Femtosecond Laser

1Femtosecond laser: what is it?
Femtosecond laser is an advanced laser system used in eye surgery. Through extremely brief laser pulses, it enables highly precise work on ocular tissue. This technology is not a treatment for any condition in itself; rather, it is a method used in laser eye surgery and certain corneal surgical procedures.
2In which eye conditions is femtosecond laser used?
Femtosecond laser technology can be used in a range of eye surgeries. These include: Laser surgery for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism SMILE laser treatment Certain stages of cataract surgery Corneal surgeries Selected procedures in keratoconus patients The appropriate technique is determined following a comprehensive eye examination.
3Are femtosecond laser surgery and bladeless eye surgery the same thing?
Some laser procedures — commonly referred to as "bladeless eye surgery" — can be performed using femtosecond laser technology. However, not every laser surgery uses the same technique. The appropriate method depends on your eye anatomy and the nature of your refractive error.
4Is femtosecond laser used in keratoconus treatment?
Femtosecond laser is not a direct treatment for keratoconus. However, it can be used as an assistive technology in certain surgical procedures. Examples include: Intracorneal ring segment implantation Corneal transplantation Certain corneal surgeries such as DALK Whether any of these procedures is appropriate for you can only be determined following a thorough evaluation by a specialist.
5Is femtosecond laser safe?
It is one of the technologies widely used in modern eye surgery. Because it operates with computer-controlled systems, it can provide a high degree of precision. As with any surgical procedure, however, certain risks may exist. For this reason, it is important that the procedure be planned by an experienced ophthalmologist.
6How long does the procedure take?
The duration of procedures using femtosecond laser varies depending on the type of surgery performed. Many laser eye surgeries can be completed in a short time. However, the duration may vary from patient to patient and according to the technique applied.
7What does the post-operative recovery process look like?
The recovery process depends on the treatment method used. With some laser procedures, vision can stabilize relatively quickly, while other surgical procedures may require a longer recovery period. Follow-up examinations play an important role throughout this process.
8Can femtosecond laser be applied to every patient?
This procedure may not be suitable for every patient. The most appropriate treatment approach is determined after a thorough evaluation of your prescription, corneal structure, overall eye health, and general medical condition.
9Are femtosecond laser procedures permanent?
Whether the results are permanent depends on the type of treatment performed. Laser eye surgery, for example, aims to correct refractive errors, while certain corneal procedures serve different purposes. Each treatment should therefore be evaluated on its own terms.
10What is the difference between femtosecond laser surgery and conventional laser eye surgery?
Femtosecond laser technology can help plan certain surgical steps with greater precision. Traditional methods involve different techniques. The choice between approaches is determined by the individual structure of your eye.
11Which is better: femtosecond laser or SMILE laser eye surgery?
These two methods are suited to different clinical situations. The most appropriate approach is determined by the surgeon after evaluating your refractive error, corneal structure, and individual needs.
12Is femtosecond laser or No Touch laser better?
These methods are based on different techniques. Which approach is appropriate depends on the individual structure of your eye.
13Is femtosecond laser surgery permanent?
The aim of laser eye surgery is to correct refractive errors. However, changes in eye structure and age-related factors can produce different outcomes over time. For this reason, each patient is assessed individually.
14After femtosecond laser surgery, will you need glasses again?
In some patients, the need for glasses may be eliminated for many years. However, this depends on the individual's eye structure and age.
15At what age can femtosecond laser surgery be performed?
Candidacy is typically assessed in adulthood, once the prescription has stabilized. A detailed examination is required to determine whether you are a suitable candidate.
16Is femtosecond laser surgery risky?
It is one of the advanced technologies used in modern eye surgery. However, like any surgical procedure, it may carry certain risks. For this reason, it is important that the procedure be planned by an experienced ophthalmologist.