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Fifth-generation femtosecond laser improves results, shortens surgical time

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BARCELONA — The latest-generation 150-kHz IntraLase femtosecond laser has introduced further improvements that enhance results, patient comfort and speed of the LASIK procedure, according to one surgeon.

Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, spoke at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting about the iFS femtosecond laser from Abbott Medical Optics.

"When we went from the microkeratome to the initial femto, it definitely slowed us down. We went from six eyes per hour to four eyes per hour; however, with the newer laser, we are now back to six eyes per hour because of the faster procedure time," he said.

The higher repetition rate is an advantage, he said. It reduces suction time, and flaps are created in about 10 seconds, reducing the chance for suction break.

"We also can use less energy, and this will reduce the amount of inflammation, particularly at the interface edge," Dr. Lindstrom said.

The ability to customize the flap shape is also an advantage: Surgeons can create oval, elliptical or round flaps, and this allows them to position the hinge further away from the optical zone and customize the flap to the ablation pattern of individual patients.

In addition, the ability to perform reverse bevel cuts appears to provide tighter incisions and to have significant biomechanical advantages.

Dr. Lindstrom emphasized that the constantly improving technology of femtosecond lasers has allowed for increasingly better results, cutting down the enhancement rate of LASIK from 8.6% to 2.8%.