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Femtosecond Cataract Surgery (Robotics Cataract Surgery) – Advantage & Benefits over the Traditional Method

March 24, 2025

Introduction

Cataract is one of the most frequent eye disorders that affect millions of individuals across the globe, particularly those over 50 years old. Cataract is a condition of the eyes in which the eye’s natural lens turns opaque, causing blurred or weak vision. The lens gradually becomes more opaque and significantly impairs daily functioning, hence making cataract surgery the best reliable remedy.

With the dawn of medical technology, Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) or Robotic Cataract Surgery completely transformed the methods of cataract surgeries currently performed. Manual cataract surgery with the “old” technique is something different compared to Femtosecond Cataract Surgery using laser precision and robotics-assisted technology for a more precise job, efficiency, and less scope for errors resulting from human failings.

What is Femtosecond Cataract Surgery (Robotics Cataract Surgery)?

Femtosecond Cataract Surgery also referred to as Robotic Cataract Surgery or Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery is a highly advanced method in which a femtosecond laser (ultra-fast laser) is employed to carry out critical steps of cataract surgery such as:

  • Making corneal incisions.
  • Opening the anterior capsule of the lens (capsulotomy).
  • Shattering the milky lens (cataract) into tiny fragments.

This reduces the number of manual surgical tools used to a great extent, allowing for more precise, accurate, and blade-free surgery.

The femtosecond laser works at one quadrillionth of a second, providing very high precision with no human intervention. This technology provides quicker recovery, fewer complications, and better visual outcome compared to conventional techniques.

How is Femtosecond Cataract Surgery Done?

The Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery is performed in a well-controlled environment using robotic laser technology. The surgery is as given below:-

Pre-operative Eye Mapping

  • The surgeon makes an accurate 3D map of the eye before the surgery using OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography).
  • The map shows real-time high-resolution images of the eye, allowing the surgeon to accurately plan the surgery.

Laser Incision (Corneal Cut)

  • In conventional cataract surgery, the surgeon makes a corneal incision (entry) using a surgical blade.
  • But in Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery, a very precise laser beam makes a perfectly circular incision without any blade, making the surgery painless and bladeless.

Capsulotomy (Lens Opening)

  • In conventional surgeries, the surgeon makes an opening in the lens capsule manually.
  • While performing robotic cataract surgery, the femtosecond laser is used to carefully crack open the anterior capsule in a flawless round shape for easy removal of the lens.
  • This is precise and reduces chances of nearby tissue damage.

Lens Fragmentation (Cataract Breaking)

  • The cloudy lens was formerly cracked manually using the energy of ultrasound, which sometimes injures the cornea.
  • During Femtosecond Laser Surgery, the laser softens and breaks the cataract into small fragments, needing less ultrasound energy to remove the lens.
  • The surgery safeguards the cornea from damage and accelerates healing.

Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implantation

  • Once the cloudy lens is removed, the surgeon inserts an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to enable clear vision.
  • The laser technology guarantees accurate placement of the lens, optimizing visual results.

Quick Recovery

  • Because the surgery is minimally invasive, there is less destruction of the eye tissues, and recovery is quicker with clearer vision within a few days.

Benefits of Femtosecond Cataract Surgery over Traditional Cataract Surgery

Now, let us examine the key benefits and advantages of Femtosecond Cataract Surgery over the traditional method of cataract surgery.

High Precision and Accuracy

In conventional cataract surgery, the doctor performs a cut on the cornea with a hand-held knife to open the lens capsule. The surgery can be marginally less accurate from patient to patient.

But with Femtosecond Cataract Surgery, the computer-guided laser performs:-

  • Fully circular cuts.
  • Precise lens capsule opening.
  • No hand error.

The accuracy ensures improved surgical results and quicker visual recovery.

Blade-Free and Pain-Free Surgery

As compared to traditional cataract surgery, where corneal incisions are made with a blade, Femtosecond Cataract Surgery is 100% blade-free. The laser makes a precise, clean incision without causing any pain or discomfort to the patient.

This also reduces the risk of:-

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Corneal damage.

Faster Recovery and Healing

As a component of conventional techniques, application of ultrasound energy for fragmentation of the lens in certain cases may lead to corneal swelling, which causes delayed healing.

In Femtosecond Laser Surgery:-

  • The laser pre-softens the lens, minimizing the use of ultrasound energy.
  • There is less corneal swelling or trauma.
  • Patients heal quicker with sharper vision.

Less Risk of Complications

Because the surgery is computer-controlled, there is less risk of:-

  • Human error.
  • Irregular incision.
  • Corneal swelling.

But it is efficiently minimized in Femtosecond Cataract Surgery resulting  in..

  • Better visual outcomes.
  • Lower risk of post-surgery complications.

Better Visual Outcomes

The laser precision technology guarantees that:-

  • The intraocular lens (IOL) is precisely centered.
  • The lens capsule is not damaged.
  • Minimal or no astigmatism after surgery.

Because of this, patients experience sharper, clearer, and longer vision.

Best for Premium Lens Implants

If you are having:-

  • Multifocal IOL (for near vision and far vision).
  • Trifocal IOL.
  • EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) IOL.

The robotic femtosecond laser surgery provides the greatest accuracy in:-

  • Lens positioning.
  • Lens centering.
  • Astigmatism reduction.

This results in exceptional visual effects with less reliance on glasses.

Increased Patient Satisfaction

Because Femtosecond Laser Surgery provides:-

  • Pain-free experience.
  • Blade-free surgery.
  • Faster recovery.
  • Improved vision quality.

Patients are more satisfied than with conventional cataract surgery.

Conclusion

Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery (Robot Cataract Surgery) is surely the future of cataract surgery because of its unparalleled precision, accuracy, and better visual outcome. When compared with the conventional approach, the robotic laser-assisted approach guarantees:-

  • Rapid recovery.
  • No blade, no pain.
  • High-quality vision correction.

If you are planning to undergo cataract surgery, opting for Femtosecond Cataract Surgery can improve your vision clarity, safety, and recovery immensely.

Ojas Eye Hospital A Center of Excellence for Contoura Vision, Femto Bladefree Lasik in Mumbai, India.