femtosecond laser
Pronunciation: FEM-toe-sek-und LAY-zer
Ultrafast pulsed laser technology used in ophthalmic surgery for precise tissue cutting and ablation.
Full Definition
A femtosecond laser is an advanced surgical instrument that delivers ultrashort pulses of infrared light lasting only femtoseconds (10^-15 seconds) to create precise cuts in ocular tissues. In ophthalmic surgery, these lasers are used for various procedures including femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), corneal flap creation in LASIK, corneal transplant preparation, and refractive surgery. The technology offers unprecedented precision in tissue interaction, creating smooth, predictable incisions with minimal collateral damage. Femtosecond lasers have transformed modern eye surgery by enabling computer-controlled, reproducible surgical steps that were previously performed manually with blades.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as 'femto laser' in informal contexts; hyphenate when used as compound modifier.
In Context
- "The femtosecond laser created precise corneal incisions with minimal induced astigmatism." — Surgical technique paper
- "Femtosecond laser technology reduced capsular tear rates in challenging cataract cases." — Comparative effectiveness study