Femtosecond applications for anterior segment surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To review the currently available femtosecond lasers that are used for anterior segment surgery and to compare those lasers with mechanical microkeratomes.


METHODS
The author reviewed the literature and websites of the manufacturers of femtosecond lasers to compare the hardware and software features of each system. A further review of the mechanical microkeratome literature and how these instruments compare with femtosecond lasers was performed.


RESULTS
The known and published outcomes and risks of using a mechanical microkeratome are compared in tabular format with femtosecond lasers. The many applications of femtosecond laser technology for anterior segment surgery are summarized. New risks and complications associated with femtosecond lasers not found with mechanical microkeratomes are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Femtosecond laser technology has greatly improved on the ability to perform numerous anterior segment procedures that cannot be performed with mechanical microkeratomes. The increased predictability and safety of femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis flap creation over mechanical microkeratomes are now well accepted.
Binder
Perry S
PS
Gavin Herbert Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA. garrett23@aol.com
D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000601:surgery*; D003201:Computers; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D007834:Lasers; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012984:Software; D013524:Surgical Flaps