FAQs

Intralase LASIK Surgery

IntraLase makes it possible to operate on many patients who were not considered candidates due to their thin corneas.
LASIK
an acronym for Laser in-situ Keratomileusis (ker”ah-to-mih-lu-sis)
is currently the most common type of laser vision correction. It can correct nearsightedness
farsightedness and astigmatism. During the LASIK procedure
light is properly focused on the retina by permanently reshaping the central area of the cornea. The cornea is the transparent dome-like structure that covers the iris and pupil of your eyes. Normally
the procedure uses an instrument called a microkeratome to create a thin
hinged flap in the cornea. The surgeon folds back the flap and then removes a thin layer of corneal tissue using an excimer laser. Following the laser treatment
the surgeon replaces the flap. It bonds naturally and securely into place without the need for stitches.

With IntraLase LASIK
the surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a precise corneal flap instead of using the traditional microkeratome. The femtosecond laser beams pulses at the speed of one quadrillionth of a second. By replacing the traditional approach with a silent
tiny beam of laser light
the laser dramatically reduces the risk of complications. This offers patients a safer
computer-controlled alternative for creating the corneal flap
since it provides the surgeon with greater precision and accuracy. (It is especially important because this is used during the crucial first step of the procedure
and the precision of the equipment helps make each outcome more predictable.) Computer software is then used to guide the laser beam into the exact desired location on the cornea. The laser is programmed to leave an uncut section of tissue to form a hinge so the flap may be folded back. The surgeon then proceeds to reshape the cornea with an excimer laser as in traditional LASIK.

Advantages of IntraLase

The microkeratome uses a significant vacuum level through a suction ring
while the femtosecond laser creates a flap under a low vacuum
delivering the laser energy through a disposable glass lens. The lower vacuum level reduces the risk of complications arising from high pressure procedures. The outer surface of the cornea suffers no trauma and the procedure is painless.

The femtosecond laser produces a corneal flap with greater precision than the microkeratome. This reduces the risk of epithelial ingrowth
corneal wrinkles and thick flaps
all complications of traditional LASIK. In addition
flaps made using the IntraLase laser appear to adhere more tightly to the corneal bed once the procedure is finished.

IntraLase makes it possible to operate on many patients who were not considered candidates due to their thin corneas. The femtosecond laser is able to make thinner
more precise cuts in the corneal flap
thus allowing surgeons to perform LASIK on people with thinner or flatter corneas. Many IntraLase surgeons report that the need to do a touch-up procedure
commonly known as an “enhancement
” may be reduced. In addition
IntraLase studies have shown the incidence of dry eye symptoms may be reduced with this laser. It is rapidly becoming known as the key ingredient to optimizing visual results in laser vision correction surgery. Overall
IntraLase may help minimize risks and optimize results
providing better vision.