Femtosecond LASER assisted cataract surgery
Femtosecond LASER assisted cataract surgery (FLACS)
In FLACS, a femtosecond laser, which emits ultra-fast pulses, is used for some initial steps of the cataract operation. This includes creating incisions in the cornea, opening the lens capsule (capsulotomy), and fragmenting the cloudy lens (cataract). The fragmented lens is then manually removed, and an intraocular lens is implanted in the same manner as standard cataract surgery.
Pros
- Precision: The laser allows for precise and consistent incisions and capsulotomies, potentially leading to more predictable outcomes in these steps.
- Less Energy: Using a laser can reduce the amount of ultrasound energy needed to break up the lens, which might be beneficial in some situations.
- Customization: The laser procedure can be tailored to the specific requirements of each patient’s eye.
Cons
- Limited Application: The laser assists only with certain parts of the surgery, and the rest is completed manually.
- Potential Risks: Like any surgery, there are risks, including those associated with the use of the laser.
- Cost: FLACS is typically more expensive than standard cataract surgery. Most insurance companies do not typically cover the additional cost of FLACS and patients opting for FLACS will have to pay the extra cost out of pocket.
Outcome Comparison with standard high-frequency ultrasound phacoemusification cataract surgery.
- Recovery: The recovery time and process for both types of surgery are similar.
- Efficacy: Multiple studies have shown that the overall outcomes of FLACS are comparable to those of standard cataract surgery. Both procedures are highly successful in restoring vision affected by cataracts.
Considerations
- Insurance Coverage: Typically, insurance companies do not cover Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) as it is considered an elective procedure.
- Outcome Comparison: The outcome of FLACS is generally no different from standard cataract surgery in terms of vision improvement.
Conclusion
While various options exist for presbyopia correction, including innovative surgical procedures, the overall outcome in terms of vision improvement is often similar to that of standard cataract surgery. It’s important to note that insurance companies usually do not cover the additional costs associated with advanced techniques like FLACS, making these options more of a personal choice than a medical necessity.