top of page
Femto-ENG_edited.jpg

FemtoLASIK

  • FemtoLASIK is a treatment for correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, utilizing Femtosecond laser to create the high precision corneal flap, and then, the excimer laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue.

  • FemtoLASIK is a type of LASIK which uses a femtosecond laser instead of a microkeratome in creating a flap. Therefore, FemtoLASIK is referred to as “Bladeless LASIK”.

  • In both LASIK and FemtoLASIK surgery, a flap must be made on the cornea but using different technology.

Femtosecond Laser?

  • The innovative Femtosecond Laser developed in 2009 is an ultrashort pulse laser with a speed of 500 kHz.

  • A feature of the Femtosecond laser is its ability to incorporate light for corneal flap creation. This makes it an alternative to the blade to create corneal flaps.

  • TRSC is currently using Visumax Femtosecond Laser by Carl Zeiss Meditec, a high-precision Femtosecond Laser for excellent treatment results. Visumax Femtosecond Laser is the only Femtosecond laser technology available today to perform ReLEx SMILE surgery.

FemtoLASIK Technology

  • The advanced technology of the Carl Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser from Carl Zeiss, Germany

  • A top-quality Mel 80 Excimer Laser from Carl Zeiss, Germany

FemtoLASIK Procedure

  • A Visumax Femtosecond laser creates a corneal flap.

  • The flap is lifted and folded back, exposing the corneal stroma underneath.

  • An excimer laser then reshapes the cornea.

  • The flap is closed and left to heal.

FemtoLASIK: The Transition between LASIK and ReLEx

  • In 2010, TRSC adopted FemtoLASIK as a procedure. FemtoLASIK would prove to be the stepping stone for ReLEx. The femtosecond laser is 3-4 times more precise than a microkeratome in creating a corneal flap.   

  • The femtosecond laser is the technology whose variants are used in both FemtoLASIK and ReLEx. The main difference between these two procedures is the surgical technique, with ReLEx SMILE having a smaller incision, leading to fewer side effects.

  • However, FemtoLASIK is more flexible than ReLEx and is currently TRSC’s most advanced form of laser vision correction for farsightedness.

Advantages of FemtoLASIK

  • Less chance of corneal bruising than LASIK

  • Decreased risk of flap related complications during surgery

  • More consistency and precision in creating a corneal flap than LASIK

  • Can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism

  • Able to correct myopia and astigmatism combined up to -12.00 Diopter

Limitation of FemtoLASIK

  • Even though FemtoLASIK is more reliable and more precise than LASIK, it does not provide the reduced side effects of ReLEx

The qualifications of a suitable candidate for FemtoLASIK at TRSC generally include

  • People who are at least 18 years of age and have had stable vision for at least one year. (All minors under age 20 are required to have a legal guardian present to give consent for medical treatment. TRSC has the right to refuse service if there is no guardian present)

  • People who have no corneal diseases or other eye diseases, for example; significant retinal degeneration, severe eye dryness.

  • People who have no complicating diseases, which may affect the eye’s healing process, such as SLE (lupus), Sjogren’s syndrome, Psoriasis and diabetes (not well-controlled) or other auto-immune diseases.

  • Women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Not taking any psychiatric medications or being under the treatment for psychological disorders.

  • Must have the pre-operative eye examination performed by TRSC in order to make certain that all measurements meet our standards and a good candidate for laser eye surgery.

  • People who have a complete and detailed understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of FemtoLASIK and have realistic expectations of the outcomes.

Preparation for the preoperative eye examination (WU) and FemtoLASIK at TRSC

  • Refrain from wearing contact lenses prior to the pre-operative eye examination. You may use your glasses during the time you are not wearing your contact lenses. The amount of time required to stay out of contact lenses is the following.

    • Soft lenses: At least 3 days before the examination.

    • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses or Semi-hard lenses: At least 14 days before the examination.

  • Stop the use of certain medications. Please be aware that certain medications need to be discontinued for a certain period of time before the examination and surgery.

    • Oral isotretinoin medication for acne treatment such as Roaccutane, Acnotin, Isotretneed to be stopped at least one month before you can have the preoperative examination and surgery. Roaccutane causes dry eyes which can interfere with the surgery results.

    • If you are taking any medication, please notify your doctor, especially if you are taking medications for diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, thyroid and all kinds of sleeping pills. You may still take medication as usual.

  • The preoperative eye examination will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

  • Please note that the doctor who conducts the examination will be your surgeon. If you have a preferred doctor, please specify.

  • The results of your preoperative eye examination by a surgeon will be divided into the following 3 categories:

    • Your eyes are healthy and you are a suitable candidate for FemtoLASIK surgery. You have a very good chance of success and the risks involved are minimal and fall in the normal range. You may make an appointment for FemtoLASIK right away or at your convenience.

    • You are not a candidate for FemtoLASIK surgery. The reasons could be due to your eye health, general health, or mental health. The doctor may advise other ways to treat your refractive errors such as PRK or ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens), which is an alternative option for your surgery. The doctor will provide additional details for your consideration.

    • You may be a candidate for FemtoLASIK surgery. Depending on your examination results, you may be a candidate if your eyes are treated properly so that your eye health is normal and in good condition for surgery. Some examples include dry eyes, allergic reactions from contact lens wear, and eye diseases such as retinal problems or glaucoma.

bottom of page