blade free lasik
IntraLase - Blade-Free LASIK
The latest is development in LASIK is the blade-free IntraLase technology. IntraLase does not use the microkeratome blade during the procedure. The blade is replaced by laser energy from a femtosecond laser. The laser energy is used to create the flap of cornea tissue lifted up to reshape the cornea to correct refractive error. The flap is then moved back over the eye covering the newly reshaped cornea area. |
Benefits of IntraLase
Procedures like IntraLase that use lasers to make the flaps are eliminating some of the complications that occur when using metal blades. Metal blades can often cut into the eye unevenly resulting in an improperly shaped flap. The flaps can sometimes be made too large, forming "buttonholes" which can lead to scars that prevent vision. With laser procedures, these complications associated with the imprecision of metal blades can be avoided. Studies show that the flap structure made by a laser cut is less likely to allow cells to grow underneath leading to the movement of the flap. The cell growth that sometimes occurs after LASIK surgery can lead to vision defects. Plus, IntraLase is extremely sterile due to the use of a laser system, leading to less of a chance of infection or contamination.
Procedures like IntraLase that use lasers to make the flaps are eliminating some of the complications that occur when using metal blades. Metal blades can often cut into the eye unevenly resulting in an improperly shaped flap. The flaps can sometimes be made too large, forming "buttonholes" which can lead to scars that prevent vision. With laser procedures, these complications associated with the imprecision of metal blades can be avoided. Studies show that the flap structure made by a laser cut is less likely to allow cells to grow underneath leading to the movement of the flap. The cell growth that sometimes occurs after LASIK surgery can lead to vision defects. Plus, IntraLase is extremely sterile due to the use of a laser system, leading to less of a chance of infection or contamination.
How IntraLase is Performed
In the IntraLase procedure, the surgeon uses a computer to guide the IntraLase laser over the eye surface to apply a series of tiny bubbles in the central layer of the cornea. Then the cut is made by the laser in a precise place and diameter. Once the cut is made, the flap can be moved in such a way that the surgeon can reshape the cornea tissue to eliminate refraction error and improve the vision. Because the IntraLase procedure is controlled by a computer, it allows the surgeon to predetermine and personalize specific aspects of the flap, such as thickness and circumference.
In the IntraLase procedure, the surgeon uses a computer to guide the IntraLase laser over the eye surface to apply a series of tiny bubbles in the central layer of the cornea. Then the cut is made by the laser in a precise place and diameter. Once the cut is made, the flap can be moved in such a way that the surgeon can reshape the cornea tissue to eliminate refraction error and improve the vision. Because the IntraLase procedure is controlled by a computer, it allows the surgeon to predetermine and personalize specific aspects of the flap, such as thickness and circumference.
Cost of IntraLase
Some surgeons are strictly using laser procedures on LASIK patients, utilizing the newest and reportedly most effective technologies. Those considering IntraLase treatments should know, however, that the new procedure can cost more than $300 per eye, additionally.
Some surgeons are strictly using laser procedures on LASIK patients, utilizing the newest and reportedly most effective technologies. Those considering IntraLase treatments should know, however, that the new procedure can cost more than $300 per eye, additionally.
IntraLase for Thin Corneas
Studies also show that those people with thin corneas, who are mostly turned away from LASIK by doctors, can have successful results with the IntraLase system. Due to the precision of the IntraLase technology, the corneal flap can be made much thinner than with the metal blade. Subsequently, not as much tissue is needed to create the flap. This opens up the procedure to more patients who might have not realized that LASIK was an option for them or those that had tried before and were considered a poor candidate due to corneal tissue thinness.
Studies also show that those people with thin corneas, who are mostly turned away from LASIK by doctors, can have successful results with the IntraLase system. Due to the precision of the IntraLase technology, the corneal flap can be made much thinner than with the metal blade. Subsequently, not as much tissue is needed to create the flap. This opens up the procedure to more patients who might have not realized that LASIK was an option for them or those that had tried before and were considered a poor candidate due to corneal tissue thinness.
Microkeratome or IntraLase
Although many surgeons agree that the most critical step in laser eye surgery is the creation of the flap in the cornea, there is not a clear consensus as to whether or not is it best to use a microkeratome or IntraLase as both methods are considered safe and effective. The microkeratome is generally faster (3 seconds vs. 15-20 seconds for IntraLase), more comfortable for the patient, less suction is necessary, and less inflammation occurs afterward. Although rare, there is the possibility of flap complications with the microkeratome.
For some patients, the precision and accuracy offered by the IntraLase is a big advantage. It may also a good choice for patients who are not ideal candidates for traditional laser vision correction with a microkeratome.
Although many surgeons agree that the most critical step in laser eye surgery is the creation of the flap in the cornea, there is not a clear consensus as to whether or not is it best to use a microkeratome or IntraLase as both methods are considered safe and effective. The microkeratome is generally faster (3 seconds vs. 15-20 seconds for IntraLase), more comfortable for the patient, less suction is necessary, and less inflammation occurs afterward. Although rare, there is the possibility of flap complications with the microkeratome.
For some patients, the precision and accuracy offered by the IntraLase is a big advantage. It may also a good choice for patients who are not ideal candidates for traditional laser vision correction with a microkeratome.