In this real-time, split screen video, Dr. Goel explains the three main steps in cataract surgery using the Femto Laser Cataract Surgery (FLACS) versus traditional Manual Cataract Surgery:
1. A 5 mm circular opening is made within the cataract shell (Capsulorhexis creation). This is often considered the most critical step in cataract surgery. In this video, the laser creates a circular opening in less than 1 second. Using the manual technique, a circular capsulorhexis in this case took about 45 seconds.
2. Cataract nucleus sculpting (phacoemulsification). The laser makes incisions within the cataract. This helps to create cleavage planes and de-bulks the cataract for easier removal. During manual cataract surgery, the phacoemulsification ultrasound instrument is used to sculpt the center of the nucleus in order to create cleavage planes.
3. Astigmatic keratotomy (AK) or Limbal Relaxing Incisions (LRI) creation. During pre-operative testing, an IOL Master is used to identify pre-exisiting astigmatism. Dr. Goel often describes astigmatism as the difference between light being processed like a basketball (no astigmatism) versus a football (astigmatism). The femto laser makes limbal relaxing incisions to reduce the astigmatism in the cornea.
Dr. Goel’s cataract education materials are available on www.LearnAboutCataracts.com.
