Femtosecond laser applications in corneal surgery

Abstract

Femtosecond laser (FSL) applications in corneal surgery have increased since its inception. Corneal surgery has undergone a tremendous transformation thanks to the introduction of FSL technology. This laser makes precise, three-dimensional incisions while causing minimal damage to surrounding tissue. This review updates and summarizes current and upcoming FSL applications in corneal surgery, current commercially available FSL, and its respective applications. Refractive surgery applications include laser in-situ keratomileusis flaps, refractive corneal lenticule extraction such as small incision lenticule extraction, astigmatic keratotomy, intracorneal ring segments tunnels for keratoconus including corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments, and presbyopia treatments with intrastromal pockets for corneal inlays and intrastromal incisions (INTRACOR). Keratoplasty applications include penetrating keratoplasty trephination; superficial and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty trephination, lamellar dissection, and tunnel creation; posterior lamellar keratoplasty donor and recipient preparation; Bowman layer transplantation donor, and recipient preparation; and stromal keratophakia. Other applications include conjunctival graft preparation in pterygium surgery, and keratopigmentation (corneal tattooing). FSL is a surgical instrument widely used in corneal surgery because it improves reproducibility and safety in many procedures.

Keywords: Anterior lamellar keratoplasty; astigmatic keratotomy; bowman layer transplantation; cornea; corneal pockets; descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty; femtosecond laser; intracorneal ring segments; laser in-situ keratomileusis; penetrating keratoplasty; refractive corneal lenticule extraction; small incision lenticule extraction; stromal keratophakia.