[Update on fs laser technology in ophthalmology].

Femtosecond (fs) lasers for LASIK flap creation have increased their market share from 0 percent in 2001 to over 55 percent in 2010. Now, in cataract surgery a similar revolution may take place. What makes this technology so special and which new areas of surgery will furthermore be entered in the future? This review elucidates the most important technical features of the fs lasers and interaction processes with the tissue. This understanding is intended to provide a better overview of the current market situation on the one hand. In addition, it can be estimated what kind of short- and long-term development this technology could take in the future. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.