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What Are Femtosecond Laser Systems: Everything You Need to Know

Laser eye surgery has increased in popularity in recent years because it can treat several issues in the eye, from vision changes and loss to damage caused by glaucoma and cataracts. Laser surgery is fast, safe, and effective, making it the ideal surgical option for many patients suffering from eye injuries and diseases. However, laser eye surgery is not one-size-fits-all. In fact, several types of lasers may be used for differing procedures. In many cases, a femtosecond laser system may be used. In this article, a specialist in laser eye surgery in Land O’Lakes from the Florida Eye Center shares why this powerful laser is safe and how it works.

Related: Know Before You Go: What to Expect During and After Laser Eye Surgery

What Femtosecond Laser Systems Do We Use?

Femtosecond lasers have many uses, including the treatment of cataracts, reversing presbyopia, refractive index shaping, and more. These lasers also include imaging ability, long infrared wavelengths, and high repetition rates. How does this laser work? A femtosecond laser is a laser that emits optical pulses with a duration well below 1 ps (→ ultrashort pulses), i.e., in the domain of femtoseconds (1 fs = 10−15 s). It thus also belongs to the category of ultrafast lasers or ultrashort pulse lasers (which also include picosecond lasers). As mentioned above, this all boils down to increased accuracy in corneal incisions and reduces instances of complications. Related: Treating Glaucoma With Laser Eye Surgery

What Do Femtosecond Lasers Do? ​

Femtosecond lasers have many uses, including the treatment of cataracts, reversing presbyopia, refractive index shaping, and more. These lasers also include imaging ability, long infrared wavelengths, and high repetition rates. How does this laser work? A femtosecond laser is a laser that emits optical pulses with a duration well below 1 ps (→ ultrashort pulses), i.e., in the domain of femtoseconds (1 fs = 10−15 s). It thus also belongs to the category of ultrafast lasers or ultrashort pulse lasers (which also include picosecond lasers). As mentioned above, this all boils down to increased accuracy in corneal incisions and reduces instances of complications. Related: Treating Glaucoma With Laser Eye Surgery

Who Can Use Femtosecond Laser Technology & What Should You Expect With Laser Eye Surgery?

If you are facing laser eye surgery for any number of reasons, including the correction of cataract damage, it can be a bit overwhelming and scary. The internet has no shortage of people who claim to be experts in laser eye surgery and laser eye technology. For that reason alone, it’s important to find a specialist who can discuss your specific needs, the lasers that will be used, and the course of treatment and recovery time in detail with you.

Most of the time, laser eye surgery takes less than an hour — in some instances, it can be as fast as 15 minutes. Recovery time varies, but you will typically be back to your daily activities in the same week. Laser eye surgery is minimally invasive and, although some procedures may take weeks to see full results, you will usually feel better quickly.

If you are looking for assistance with laser eye surgery, it’s important to find the right specialist for optical in Land O’ Lakes. Contact Florida Eye Center to discuss if laser eye surgery is right for you.

To schedule a consultation with the Florida Eye Center for laser eye surgery in Land O’Lakes, please request an appointment today.

Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Florida Eye Center website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services provided by the medical professionals at Florida Eye Center or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Florida Eye Center. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Florida Eye Center is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.

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