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Functioning of the Femtosecond Laser - How does the Femtosecond Laser
Work?
Instead of using a microkeratome to create a corneal flap, the femtosecond laser
uses infrared laser energy that inserts a precise pattern of tiny, overlapping
spaces just below the corneal surface. The femtosecond laser operates at
extremely high speeds (pulses of one quadrillionth of a second).
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In this process, the focused laser pulses divide material
at the molecular level without the transfer of heat or impact to the
surrounding tissue. The laser pulses once every femtosecond (fs),
or one quadrillionth of a second.
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Each pulse forms a microscopic bubble. The effect of photodisruption
occurs only in the focal point, i.e. the area where the corneal tissue
is severed. Tissue outside of the defined area is unaffected. |
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A complete cut in cornea is achieved by placing thousands of
these laser pulses next to each other: As the laser moves back and
forth across the eye, the bubbles are connected so they form a corneal
flap.
The cornea flap can then be lifted up with a precision instrument. |
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