In addition to conventional LASIK, Femto LASIK is an advanced blade-free laser vision correction procedure used to treat common refractive errors. Many patients have questions about how it differs from conventional LASIK and whether it may be an appropriate treatment option. This article explains the procedure, its benefits, limitations, and what to expect before and after surgery.
What Is Femto LASIK?
Femto LASIK is a blade-free laser vision correction procedure used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
Unlike conventional LASIK, which creates the corneal flap using a mechanical microkeratome blade, Femto LASIK uses a low-energy, high-frequency femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap with precision. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea, correcting refractive errors and improving visual clarity.
What Vision Problems Can Femto LASIK Correct?
Femto LASIK combines a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap and an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. This blade-free technique can effectively correct a wide range of refractive errors, including:
- Myopia (Nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
Femto LASIK for Myopia
Myopia occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too steep, causing incoming light to focus in front of the retina. The procedure reshapes the cornea to reduce its curvature, allowing light to focus more accurately on the retina and improving distance vision.
Femto LASIK for Hyperopia
Hyperopia develops when the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina. Depending on the degree of hyperopia and the patient’s age, near vision—and in some cases both near and distance vision—may be blurred. The cornea is reshaped to increase its curvature, helping light focus more accurately on the retina and improving visual clarity.
Femto LASIK for Astigmatism
Astigmatism is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, resulting in multiple focal points and blurred or distorted vision. During the procedure, the cornea is reshaped into a more symmetrical contour, allowing light to focus accurately on the retina.
Advantages and Limitations of Femto LASIK
Now that you understand what Femto LASIK is, let’s explore its advantages and limitations.
Who Is a Candidate for Femto LASIK?
The following information may help determine whether Femto LASIK is an appropriate treatment option.
Suitable Candidates
Femto LASIK may be appropriate for individuals who have had a stable prescription for at least one year, with:
- Myopia up to approximately -10.00 D
- Astigmatism up to -5.00 D
Candidates should also meet the following criteria:
- No severe dry eye disease
- No uncontrolled systemic diseases, such as poorly controlled diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, or immunodeficiency disorders
- Wish to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contact lenses
Who Should Not Undergo Femto LASIK?
Femto LASIK may not be recommended for:
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding due to hormonal changes that may affect vision
- Patients with certain ocular conditions involving the cornea, such as keratoconus, glaucoma, or cataracts
- Individuals with medical conditions associated with delayed wound healing
Preoperative Eye Evaluation for Femto LASIK
A comprehensive eye examination is essential before laser vision correction to determine whether Femto LASIK is an appropriate option.
The evaluation typically includes:
- Comprehensive refraction to determine the refractive error
- Intraocular pressure measurement
- Dry eye assessment
- Corneal topography, corneal curvature, corneal thickness, and optical analysis
- Dilated retinal examination to evaluate the retina and other internal eye structures
If additional retinal abnormalities are identified during the examination, appropriate treatment may be performed before vision correction surgery.
How to Prepare for Femto LASIK
Preparation for Femto LASIK is generally similar to that for conventional LASIK.
Patients are generally advised to:
- Discontinue soft contact lens wear for at least 3–7 days before the evaluation and surgery
- Discontinue rigid gas permeable lenses for at least 14 days
- Avoid alcohol before the procedure
- Continue using artificial tears if dry eye symptoms are present until the day of evaluation
- Stop taking isotretinoin for at least one month before the evaluation, as it may worsen dry eye and affect assessment results
- Inform the ophthalmologist about any underlying medical conditions and current medications
- Arrange for someone to accompany you on the examination day, as dilating eye drops may temporarily blur vision and make driving unsafe
- Bring sunglasses for comfort after pupil dilation
If retinal tears or other retinal abnormalities are detected during the examination, they should be treated before proceeding with Femto LASIK.
Femto LASIK Procedure
The procedure begins with the application of anesthetic eye drops. During the procedure, a femtosecond laser creates a precise corneal flap. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea based on the patient’s refractive error before the flap is carefully repositioned. The procedure typically takes approximately 10–15 minutes per eye. After surgery, patients are instructed to wear protective eye shields as recommended by their ophthalmologist.
Postoperative Care After Femto LASIK
Postoperative care is similar to that following other laser vision correction procedures.
Patients are generally advised to:
- Wear protective eye shields as instructed
- Avoid getting water, sweat, or dust into the eyes during the early healing period
- Avoid rubbing the eyes
- Rest the eyes during the first 2–3 days
- Limit prolonged visual activities when possible
If dry eye symptoms occur, lubricating eye drops should be used as recommended. Regular follow-up visits with the ophthalmologist are essential to monitor healing and visual outcomes.
Possible Side Effects of Femto LASIK
Temporary side effects following Femto LASIK may include:
- Dry eyes
- Eye irritation
- Itching
- Burning sensation
- Excessive tearing
- Increased sensitivity to light
These symptoms are usually temporary and improve as the eyes heal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Femto LASIK
โรงพยาบาลจักษุ อินซ์ ได้รวบรวมคำถามพบบ่อยเกี่ยวกับการทำเลสิกแบบ femto ไว้ด้านล่างนี้แล้ว หากกำลังสงสัยว่า LASIK กับ Femto LASIK หรือ Femto LASIK กับ SMILE Pro แตกต่างกันอย่างไร ? มาไขข้อสงสัยกันเลย
How Long Is the Recovery After Femto LASIK?
Most patients can return home immediately after surgery. Recovery is generally rapid, with many patients resuming normal daily activities within one day. Avoid rubbing the eyes during recovery to reduce the risk of flap displacement and infection.
How Does Femto LASIK Compare With Conventional LASIK?
The primary difference lies in how the corneal flap is created.
- Femto LASIK uses a femtosecond laser to create the flap.
- Conventional LASIK uses a mechanical microkeratome blade.
Both procedures use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea after the flap is created.
What Is the Difference Between Femto LASIK and SMILE Pro?
Although both procedures use a femtosecond laser, their surgical techniques differ.
Femto LASIK
- Uses a femtosecond laser to create a corneal flap
- Uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea
SMILE Pro
- Uses only a femtosecond laser
- Creates a small corneal lenticule, which is removed through a small incision without creating a corneal flap
Because of these differences, each procedure offers distinct advantages depending on the patient’s eye condition and visual needs.
Are the Results of Femto LASIK Permanent?
Femto LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea to correct existing refractive errors. However, vision may continue to change over time due to natural aging, such as presbyopia, or other age-related changes unrelated to the original laser treatment.
Where Should I Have Femto LASIK?
Choosing a provider for Femto LASIK involves several important considerations, including:
- Comprehensive preoperative evaluation
- Modern diagnostic and surgical technology
- High standards of patient safety and infection control
- Experienced ophthalmologists
- Appropriate postoperative follow-up care
A thorough assessment and individualized treatment planning are essential to achieving the best possible outcome.
Femto LASIK: Blade-Free Laser Vision Correction
Femto LASIK is a blade-free laser vision correction procedure that uses a low-energy, high-frequency femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap instead of a mechanical blade, followed by an excimer laser to reshape the cornea.
The procedure effectively corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, providing a precise and well-established option for laser vision correction in appropriately selected patients.
โปรโมชันเลสิก(LASIK) 2026
เอกสารอ้างอิง
Rachael Zimlich. (2021, February 18). Everything to Know About Femto Lasik. healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/femto-lasik