What is Femto LASIK?
Femto LASIK, also called bladeless LASIK or all-laser LASIK, is a laser vision-correction procedure used to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Unlike conventional LASIK, where a mechanical microkeratome may be used to create the corneal flap, Femto LASIK uses a femtosecond laser to create the flap. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea according to the patient’s refractive error and treatment plan.
Femto LASIK may be used for appropriately selected patients with refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, subject to the indications of the specific laser system and the patient’s individual eye characteristics.
How does Femto LASIK work?
Femto LASIK generally involves the following steps:
1. Comprehensive eye examination
Before surgery, the ophthalmologist evaluates your spectacle prescription, corneal shape and thickness, tear film and overall eye health.
2. Corneal mapping
Detailed measurements such as corneal topography or tomography may be performed to determine whether the cornea is suitable for laser vision correction and to help plan the treatment.
3. Femtosecond laser creates the flap
The femtosecond laser creates a thin, precisely planned corneal flap.
4. Excimer laser reshapes the cornea
The flap is lifted, and the excimer laser removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue to reshape the cornea and correct the refractive error.
5. Flap repositioning
The flap is carefully repositioned. It generally adheres naturally without stitches.
6. Post-operative care
The patient receives prescribed eye drops and instructions regarding eye protection, hygiene, activities and follow-up examinations.
Is Femto LASIK the same as LASIK?
Femto LASIK is a type of LASIK.
The main difference is how the corneal flap is created.
- Conventional LASIK: The flap may be created using a mechanical microkeratome.
- Femto LASIK: A femtosecond laser creates the flap.
The actual corneal reshaping in both procedures is generally performed using an excimer laser.
Therefore, “Femto LASIK” does not mean a completely different type of laser vision correction; it describes the flap-creation technology used as part of LASIK.
What are the benefits of Femto LASIK?
Potential benefits of Femto LASIK include:
- Blade-free flap creation
- Highly controlled flap dimensions
- Customizable flap thickness and diameter
- Precise positioning of the flap
- Rapid visual recovery in appropriately selected patients
- Reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses
The femtosecond laser allows the surgeon to program important flap parameters precisely. However, more advanced technology does not automatically mean that Femto LASIK is the best option for every patient.
Is Femto LASIK better than conventional LASIK?
Femto LASIK offers a number of technical advantages in flap creation compared with mechanical microkeratome LASIK. Femtosecond laser flap creation allows more precise control over flap parameters and has become widely used in modern LASIK surgery.
However, the final visual outcome depends on many factors, including:
- Patient selection
- Corneal anatomy
- Treatment planning
- Laser technology
- Surgeon’s experience
- Pre-operative measurements
- Post-operative care
Therefore, patients should not choose a procedure solely because it is described as “bladeless” or “advanced.”
Femto LASIK vs Contoura Vision
These two terms describe different aspects of LASIK treatment.
Femto LASIK refers to the method used to create the corneal flap using a femtosecond laser.
Contoura Vision refers to a topography-guided treatment approach in which detailed corneal mapping is used to customize the excimer laser treatment.
They can be used together.
For example, a patient may undergo Femto LASIK with a topography-guided treatment profile, if appropriate after evaluation.