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Femtosecond laser marks new era in cataract surgery
KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. — Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery could present a landmark moment in cataract surgery, according to a speaker here.
"Femtosecond laser cataract surgery technology is better today than conventional phacoemulsification, and the potential is limitless," Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, OSN Cornea/External Disease Board Member, said at Kiawah Eye 2011.
Since installing a femtosecond laser cataract system in their practice, 13 of Dr. Donnenfeld's 22 partners have adopted the technology. Their goal is to continually improve the procedure, raising the level of comfort, surgical accuracy and visual outcomes.
Although he cited increased cost and surgical time as disadvantages of femtosecond laser, Dr. Donnenfeld said that a significant advantage is that it offers a faster and safer way to perform limbal relaxing incision (LRI) procedures.
"[Femtosecond laser cataract surgery] changes performing limbal relaxing incisions from an art form to a science," he said.
The benefits of creating LRIs with a femtosecond laser include immediate and excellent postoperative vision quality, he said, which leads to improved patient satisfaction.
LRIs can be especially helpful in premium IOL patients who have preexisting astigmatism. However, femtosecond lasers will improve outcomes regardless of which IOL is chosen, Dr. Donnenfeld said.
- Disclosure: Dr. Donnenfeld has no relevant financial disclosures.