In femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), some of the first and most delicate steps of the operation are performed by a computer-guided laser instead of hand-held instruments. This technology is available at Hadassah Medical Center, and Dr. Stern recommends it to his patients for the precision it adds to the surgery.
What does the laser do in cataract surgery?
The operation has two stages. In the first, the laser, guided by computerised imaging of the eye, opens the lens capsule (capsulotomy) with great precision — a round, centred opening of exactly the planned size — and pre-fragments the clouded lens nucleus.
In the second, the operation continues like standard cataract surgery: the surgeon removes the clouded lens with ultrasound (phacoemulsification) and implants the new intraocular lens through a tiny incision. Because the laser has already broken up the nucleus, less ultrasound energy is needed inside the eye.
Laser cataract surgery vs. standard surgery
| Step | Standard surgery (phaco) | Laser-assisted surgery (FLACS) |
|---|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | Anaesthetic drops and gel | Same |
| Opening the lens capsule | By hand, with a fine instrument | By laser, round and precise |
| Breaking up the nucleus | With ultrasound (chopping technique) | Initial fragmentation by laser, then less ultrasound |
| Implanting the lens | Foldable lens through a tiny incision | Same |
| Lens types available | All types | All types |
| Recovery | Improvement within 24–48 hours, stable within 3–4 weeks | Similar |
Why does Dr. Stern recommend laser cataract surgery?
Standard cataract surgery is very safe and successful. The laser adds important advantages to it:
- A precise opening of the lens capsule: The laser cuts a round, centred opening of exactly the size planned for your eye. Such an opening helps the intraocular lens sit in a stable, centred position.
- Less ultrasound inside the eye: The nucleus is already broken up when the surgeon begins the phaco stage, so less ultrasound energy is needed — which is gentler on the tissues of the eye.
- Precision and consistency: The steps are planned from computerised imaging of the eye and performed with the same precision in every operation.
- A particular advantage for premium lenses: With multifocal, EDOF and toric lenses, precise, centred positioning of the lens matters especially for the quality of vision.
Because of these advantages, Dr. Stern recommends laser cataract surgery. Whether it suits your eye is checked at the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does laser cataract surgery hurt?
No. The operation is performed under anaesthetic drops. The laser stage is short, and you may feel slight pressure on the eye — not pain.
What are the advantages of laser cataract surgery?
The laser opens the lens capsule with a round, centred opening of precise size and pre-fragments the lens nucleus, so less ultrasound energy is needed inside the eye. The result is a more precise and consistent operation — an especially important advantage when implanting premium lenses.
Is laser cataract surgery available at Hadassah?
Yes. Hadassah Medical Center has femtosecond laser technology for cataract surgery, and Dr. Stern recommends it to his patients. Whether it suits your eye is checked at the consultation.
Is recovery different after laser surgery?
Not substantially. Recovery, the drop schedule and the instructions are similar to standard cataract surgery — the full post-operative instructions.
Does the laser replace the surgeon?
No. The laser performs defined steps under the surgeon’s direction; the rest of the operation — removing the clouded lens and implanting the new one — is performed by the surgeon.
Can premium lenses be implanted in standard surgery too?
Yes. Toric, multifocal and EDOF lenses can also be implanted in standard surgery, but with these lenses precise, centred positioning matters especially — so the laser’s precision in opening the capsule is an advantage. About lens types