Femtosecond Laser (Laser Vision Correction)

A femtosecond laser delivers extremely short bursts of light, measured in fractions of a second, that allow it to work within the layers of the cornea without cutting its outer surface with a blade. In laser vision correction it is used in two main ways. In flap-based methods such as FemtoLASIK, the femtosecond laser creates a thin, hinged flap on the cornea that the surgeon then lifts so a second laser can reshape the tissue beneath. In lenticule methods such as SMILE, the femtosecond laser instead shapes a small disc of tissue inside the cornea, which is removed through a tiny opening. Both approaches are guided by detailed measurements of the individual eye.

After numbing drops are placed in the eye, the patient lies under the laser and looks toward a target light. In flap-based treatments, the femtosecond laser first creates the protective flap; the surgeon lifts it, an excimer laser reshapes the cornea, and the flap is laid back into place to heal without stitches. In lenticule-based treatments, the femtosecond laser shapes the thin tissue disc and the surgeon removes it through a small incision, with no flap created. Both methods take only minutes per eye, and the laser tracks the eye's movements so each pulse is placed accurately.

Femtosecond laser correction suits many adults with stable myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism who want to depend less on glasses or contact lenses. Lenticule methods, which keep more of the cornea's surface intact, can be a good option for people prone to dry eyes or with an active lifestyle. The right method depends on the prescription, the thickness and shape of the cornea and overall eye health, all checked in a detailed pre-operative examination. The eye specialist uses these results to recommend the most suitable technique, or an alternative if laser treatment is not ideal.

Because the treatment is performed entirely with lasers and largely preserves the cornea's structure, it is precise and the risk of post-operative dry eye is generally lower, especially with lenticule methods. Recovery is typically fast, and many patients reach sharp vision by the following day. Temporary dryness, light sensitivity, mild discomfort or halos can occur in the first days and usually settle. The care team provides eye drops and protective guidance, and final vision stabilises over the following weeks as the cornea heals.