Advantages and complications of femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis

Since 2002,femtosecond lasers have been used for more than a decade to create laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flaps.The equipment shifted from higher pulse energy and lower frequency to lower pulse energy and higher frequency.Compared to the traditional mechanical microkeratome,the femtosecond laser has its own advantages,such as a more precise and even corneal flap,no severe flap break during the operation,and the flap can be customized for shape,size and side cutting angle.The femtosecond laser can also perform comeal lenticule extraction for correcting myopia and astigmatism.Nevertheless,complications such as suction loss during the operation,an opaque bubble layer,a flap button hole and some visual problems after femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK should be of concern. Key words: Femtosecond laser;  Corneal flap;  Advantage;  Complication