A femtosecond laser (FSL) can emit ultrashort pulse durations in the femtosecond range (1 femtosecond = 10^-15 sec), which enables tissue cutting with a reduced amount of energy and minimal collateral damage, without being absorbed by optically transparent tissues. The FSL is not absorbed by optically transparent tissues because its wavelength (1053 nm) is in the near-infrared spectrum. Therefore, the human cornea and lens are ideal targets for FSL surgery because the tissues are accessible through the optically clear ocular structure.

The precisely focused FSL can increase the power density on the targeted structure depth, and can cut tissue via a process of photodisruption that involves generation of a plasma of free electrons and ionized molecules that rapidly expand and collapse to create microcavitation bubbles and acoustic shock waves that incise and separate the target tissue.

Since the application of FSL in ophthalmic surgery was first introduced in 2001, the laser has been increasingly used in corneal surgery. In corneal transplantation, FSL can be used to create customized trephination edges, such as top-hat, zigzag and mushroom configurations, which were suggested to improve tensile wound strength and facilitate wound healing after penetrating keratoplasty and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. FSL can also be employed to create ultrathin cuts for descemet stripping automated anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DSAEK).

FSL is also used for refractive surgery, including creation of a flap in laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), creation of channels for intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation, small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and astigmatic keratotomy.

Femtosecond laser cataract surgery (FLACS) has been increasingly adopted worldwide, in which FSL is applied for corneal incision, anterior capsulotomy and lens fragmentation and liquefaction. Studies suggest that FLACS provides improved reproducibility in diameter and centration of capsulorhexis and construction of a corneal wound, and reduced ultrasound energy for lens fragmentation and liquefaction.

We invite investigators to contribute original research and review articles on the studies regarding the application of FSL in anterior segment surgery. We are particularly interested in articles concerning the development of technology of FSL and its application in ophthalmic surgery, clinical outcomes of anterior segment surgery using FSL, and imaging techniques associated with application of FSL in anterior segment surgery. Articles on new devices which can be applied for anterior segment surgery are also welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Development of technology of FSL
• Application of FSL in anterior segment surgery
• Efficacy and safety of FSL in cornea and refractive surgery
• Clinical outcome of FLACS
• Application of FLACS in complicated cataract cases
• Imaging techniques associated with application of FSL in anterior segment surgery
• Alternative devices that can be employed for cornea, refractive and cataract surgery
• Application of other lasers in anterior segment surgery