How does the femtosecond laser work?
(1) Each laser pulse creates a mini-gas bubble (diameter of 1 µm). (2) A larger mini-gas/water bubble of approx. 5 - 12 µm diameter appears and separates the surrounding corneal tissue (photodisruption). (3) The emerging mixture of CO2 and water is aspirated, leaving the separated corneal tissue behind. (4) Three-dimensional, high-precision laser cuts are created within the cornea by placing thousands of computer-positioned laser pulses next to each other.
The use of femtosecond laser technology in eye surgery
In ophthalmology, the femtosecond laser is primarily used for flap creation prior to LASIK (Femto-LASIK or iLASIK) to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness with or without astigmatism. Other uses include the preparation of corneal tunnels for intra-corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation, astigmatic keratotomy for the correction of higher astigmatisms and corneal transplant surgery (penetrating keratoplasty).