Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus conventional phacoemulsification surgery: visual outcomes with presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens - Report - MDSpire

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus conventional phacoemulsification surgery: visual outcomes with presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens

  • By

  • Chi Xiao

  • Runhua Peng

  • Zhenyang Zheng

  • Haiyan He

  • Yan Li

  • Zhanchi Hu

  • May 7, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Visual Outcomes in Femtosecond Laser vs Phacoemulsification

Overview

This study compares visual outcomes between femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS) with presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (IOLs). Both techniques significantly improve visual acuity and quality, with FLACS showing advantages in full-range vision and early recovery.

Background

Cataract surgery is a leading intervention for visual impairment globally, with conventional phacoemulsification being the standard approach. The introduction of femtosecond laser technology has the potential to enhance surgical outcomes by improving precision and reducing complications. Understanding the comparative effectiveness of FLACS and CPS is crucial for optimizing patient care and visual outcomes.

Data Highlights

GroupMean UDVA (logMAR)p-value
FLACS (1 day)0.260.049
CPS (1 day)0.33-
FLACS (1 month)0.08 ± 0.07p > 0.05
CPS (1 month)0.07 ± 0.08-

Key Findings

  • FLACS group had a mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 0.26 at 1 day postoperatively, compared to 0.33 in the CPS group (p = 0.049).
  • At 1 month postoperatively, both groups achieved significant improvements in visual acuity and quality (p < 0.001).
  • FLACS demonstrated better performance in functional visual acuity at intermediate distances.
  • The defocus curves indicated better and more stable full-range vision in the FLACS group.
  • Areas under the uncorrected defocus curve were 1.26 for FLACS and 1.18 for CPS.

Clinical Implications

Surgeons should consider FLACS for patients requiring presbyopia-correcting IOLs, particularly for its advantages in early recovery and full-range vision stability. Patient counseling should include discussions on the potential benefits of FLACS over CPS, especially in terms of visual outcomes.

Conclusion

Both FLACS and CPS are effective in enhancing visual acuity and quality post-surgery. However, FLACS may offer specific advantages in terms of full-range vision and recovery speed.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Robert J. Noecker, MD, MBA, Glaucoma Physician, 2017 -- Laser Cataract Surgery in the Glaucoma Patient
  2. The Ophthalmologist, 2026 -- Democratizing Precision in Cataract Surgery
  3. Nicole Fram, MD, Ophthalmology Management, 2024 -- OPTIMIZE YOUR POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOMES
  4. ESCRS, 2025 -- Extended Guidelines for Cataract Surgery
  5. ScienceDirect, 2024 -- Comparing the efficacy and safety between FLACS and CPS
  6. Frontiers, 2026 -- Femtosecond Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery vs CPS
  7. Corneal Physician — Creating Arcuate Incisions to Reduce Astigmatism
  8. https://www.escrs.org/media/ooama3sf/full-extended-guideline-24092025.pdf
  9. Comparing the efficacy and safety between femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis - ScienceDirect
  10. Frontiers | Femtosecond Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery versus Conventional Phacoemulsification Surgery: Visual Outcomes with Presbyopia-correcting Intraocular Lens

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