Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh. Written to established clinical-education standards (AAO/Mayo/NHS/NEI) and adapted for this hospital. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) uses a computer-guided laser to perform certain steps of cataract surgery — such as creating the corneal incision, opening the lens capsule, and softening the cataract — that are otherwise done manually with hand-held instruments and ultrasound. The laser adds a layer of image-guided precision to these steps before the surgeon completes lens removal and places the intraocular lens.
Who typically needs this
- Can be considered by patients undergoing routine cataract surgery who want the added precision of laser-guided incisions and lens capsule opening.
- May be particularly useful in eyes with certain features — such as weak zonules (the fibres that hold the lens in place) — where laser precision may help.
- Often paired with premium toric or multifocal lens implants, where precise incision placement can support the intended visual outcome.
- Not essential for a good outcome — conventional phacoemulsification remains a well-established, effective standard technique for the majority of patients.
What to expect
- Pre-operative measurements and imaging are taken, as with standard cataract surgery, to plan the laser steps and lens power.
- The eye is numbed, and the patient is positioned under the femtosecond laser, which uses imaging to map the eye before treatment.
- The laser creates the corneal incision(s), opens a precisely sized and centred opening in the lens capsule, and softens/fragments the cataract using rapid pulses of laser energy.
- The surgeon then completes lens removal — usually with reduced ultrasound energy compared with conventional phaco — and inserts the intraocular lens.
Recovery
- Recovery is generally similar to conventional phacoemulsification, with vision improving over days to a few weeks.
- The same post-operative drops, protective eye shield, and activity precautions apply as with standard cataract surgery.
- Follow-up visits monitor healing and visual outcome in the same way as after conventional surgery.
Risks to know about
- Carries the same general risks as conventional cataract surgery, including infection, inflammation, and rarely retinal detachment.
- The laser step itself can occasionally cause temporary pupil constriction (miosis) during surgery, which surgeons manage intraoperatively.
- Rare laser-related complications include incomplete capsule opening or capsule tears, which the surgeon may need to address by adapting the surgical technique.
- Published comparisons show FLACS to have a safety and outcome profile broadly similar to conventional phacoemulsification, without being clearly superior for every patient.
Frequently asked questions
Is FLACS better than regular phaco surgery?
Large studies have generally found similar visual outcomes and safety between FLACS and conventional phacoemulsification; FLACS may offer added precision for certain steps but is not proven to give better long-term vision for most patients.
Does the laser replace the surgeon?
No — the laser performs specific preparatory steps under the surgeon's planning and supervision; the surgeon still performs and oversees the entire operation.
Is FLACS more expensive?
Yes, it typically costs more than conventional phacoemulsification because of the additional laser equipment involved.
Who should discuss FLACS with their surgeon?
Anyone considering premium lens implants or with specific anatomical factors your ophthalmologist identifies may want to discuss whether FLACS offers a meaningful advantage in their case.
Ready to see us?
Call the appointment desk, or book online — we will confirm your time by phone.
Sources consulted: AAO — Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery, Mayo Clinic — Cataract Surgery . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh.
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