Cataract, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, is the leading cause of vision impairment worldwide, affecting over 90 million people. If left untreated, cataracts can cause significant vision loss and, in advanced stages, complete blindness, severely impacting a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, cataract surgery, one of the most common and successful procedures worldwide, restores vision by replacing the clouded lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Treatment options range from manual surgery to laser-assisted techniques, all designed to enhance precision, safety, and recovery. 

Innovations in Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery 

Building on the proven success in laser eye surgery, the FEMTO Z8 NEO, already in use worldwide, utilizes innovative low energy laser pulses to elevate surgical precision and promote faster patient recovery. 
Built with surgical practice in mind, the Z8 seamlessly integrates into the cataract procedure while maintaining the surgeon’s full control and involvement. Its tactile handpiece complements the surgeon’s expertise, enhancing accuracy where it matters most, without disrupting familiar techniques or workflows. This not only preserves the surgeon’s hands-on approach but reinforces patient trust by maintaining that essential human connection in the operating room. 
 
All laser-assisted steps, from capsulotomy to lens fragmentation and astigmatism correction, are performed in one room, on a single platform. This streamlined setup eliminates patient transfer, saves time, and contributes to a calmer, more predictable surgical environment. 

A defining feature of the Z8 is its proprietary low-energy, high-frequency laser technology. As the only system delivering low-energy technology in cataract surgery, it allows for exceptionally smooth, rupture-resistant capsulotomies, minimal tissue disruption, and faster visual recovery. Reduced inflammation and lower endothelial cell loss further support a gentler, more consistent surgical outcome — even in challenging cases. 

^{Williams GP, George BL, Wong YR, et al. The effects of a low-energy, high frequency liquid optic interface femtosecond laser system on lens capsulotomy. Sci Rep 2016; 6: 24352.}

Beyond routine cases, the Z8 has demonstrated strong performance in complex situations, including patients with corneal opacities, anatomical variations, and pediatric cataracts. It is the only femtosecond laser with CE certification for pediatric use, reflecting its precision and safety in even the most delicate procedures. 

For surgeons working with premium IOLs, the Z8 delivers clear advantages: consistent capsulotomy centration, optimized IOL positioning, and a lower risk of postoperative complications like PCO. These benefits align closely with the demands of modern cataract care, where both clinical outcomes and patient expectations are higher than ever. 

With our FEMTO Z8 NEO, we continue to deliver on our mission to “Deliver Vision to the World” — supporting ophthalmologists globally with innovative tools that drive better outcomes and a higher standard of care.