Intralase Lasik

Exactly what is the Intralase Lasik method of laser surgery?

Unlike other methods that use bladed sharp instruments, Intralase is a non-bladed technique that surgeons use in clinics to mold and shape the corneal flap using custom bladeless lasik techniques in combination with Wavefront. This is most often know within the medical profession as Intralase Wavefront lasik and is now setting new standards in delivering safe clinical operations that surpass the use of mechanical blades. This is regarded as the first step in the process. The second step is accomplished deep within the eyeball with an excimer laser to complete the process. Lasik Intralase does not employ any blades at all. Patient generally like this idea since is reduces the possibility for errors and complications, which are often connected to other bladed lasik methods.

Intralase femtosecond laser treatment is regarded as the latest, most advanced form of Lasik the lasik clinics are using to prepare the cornea. This state of the art laser technology results in more refined cuts that are cleaner than the other forms of lasik treatment. Intralase is not only more advanced than Wavefront guided technology, but it may represent one of the biggest leaps in eye laser technologies since the development of lasik.

When Intralase eye surgery is done, a doctor uses one of the most advanced forms of laser equipment there is to shoot an oscillating pulse of laser light through the surface layers of the cornea to form a bubble within your eye based on the initial degree of correction that was determined during your initial evaluation. While these bubbles are part of the second phrase of the lasik Intralase method, in the first phase of the corrective treatment, the doctor has to form the corneal flap and has the option to use either the Intralase method or a microkeratome. Both are two separate procedures and should not be confused as on in the same.

Is the IntraLase Lasik safe?

When an Intralase laser is used as the primary tool of choice, the eye never makes contact with a blade. Precision shaping and countering is achieved beneath the surface of the eye only after the flap of the cornea is lifted and reshaped with a hand-held microkeratome device. A microkeratome is a surgical tool that doctors use to cut one-dimensional slices of the cornea using a blade that oscillates at high speeds.

Is IntraLase Lasik painful?

In preparation for the surgery, the doctor will numb the eye by applying a small dosage of eye drops on the surface of the eye. Once the effects of the eye-drops are evident, the doctor will then gently place an instrument over the eye containing a ring-like structure to carry out the process. Patients who undergo Lasik IntraLase are often amazed at how little the discomfort is. In testimonies of those who have had it, they often report no pain during the procedure.

What are the benefits of IntraLase Lasik Surgery?

The main benefits of using lasik Intralase are centered on both the primary surgeon’s ability to perform an accurate procedure and on postoperative factors that affect how well a patient recovers after the IntraLase method has been applied to a patient’s eyes. Patients who are recommended for lasik can be prescribed a lasik treatment that is 100% free of manual blades. This benefit alone reduce the risks and complications most often seen when mechanical blades are used in treatment. Patients who undergo Intralase often report near 20/20 vision after getting Intralase done and far fewer levels of pain and anxiety. Over time research has show that Intralase results in less regression in sharpness of vision and faster healing times. Other benefits of Intralase lasik include a great reduction in flap complications and more patience confidence which make it easier to adjust.

How long does IntraLase Lasik take?

Surgeons can complete the entire process in 10 minutes or less. The actual creation of the corneal flap usually takes 25 seconds or less for each eye.

How do patients respond after having Lasik Intralase?

Clinical studies and surveys suggest that patients have a natural preference for the IntraLase method over flaps created with microkeratome by a 3 to 1 margin. This can only be attributed to a less degree of complication for the patients, improved recover and healing times and a more satisfied patient experience.

Is IntraLase Lasik different from Epi-LASIK or PRK?

There are a few preparatory differences between the procedures. These differences have more to do with how the cornea is prepared. In the first method Epi-LASIK, an epikeratome is used to create a flap by means of a blunt separator. In a typical PRK operation, the outer surface layer of the cornea is gently scraped to form a smooth surface of the cornea of which, can lead to painful eye sensations postoperative complications – each also having longer healing and recovery timeframes.

How can you find a clinic that performs laser IntraLase?

Most major cities throughout the US Miami, Atlanta, San Diego, Houston and Dallas contain a number of Lasik clinics that are now trained to perform at this level of corrective vision. It is wise to ask around before choosing a doctor and get testimonials from satisfied patients during your initial research. If you are living in a distant rural location, you may have to do some checking online or ask local eye clinics is they can refer you to a physician that performs IntraLase surgery.