IntraLasik or All Laser LASIK

The difference between IntraLasik and traditional LASIK is in how the LASIK surgeon creates the corneal flap. IntraLasik is blade-free LASIK surgery. The IntraLase procedure is more precise and often yields better vision with fewer complications than using a microkeratome blade for LASIK. The results are promising enough that the U.S. Navy has launched a program to explore LASIK for aviators.

Traditional LASIK uses a hand held microkeratome to create the corneal flap. A microkeratome is a precise cutting tool with a metal blade. In most cases, using a microkeratome to create the flap is perfectly fine and your results will be exceptional.  With the IntraLase, however, the surgeon creates the flap with infrared laser energy, in pulses of one quadrillionth of a second. A few of the advantages of using the IntraLase to create the LASIK flap include:

• Prevents the formation of “buttonhole” flaps which can create scars that affect vision
• Prevents uneven flap edges which can create problems such as irregular astigmatism
• Creates a flap with vertical edges, reducing the risk of epithelial ingrowth
• Creates a flap with thicker edges which are less likely to tear
• Creates a flap which is tailored to your individual eye
• Creates a flap that seals into place much better and faster than a flap created by a microkeratome
• Decreases the risk of infection or contamination
• Increases the chance of achieving 20/20 vision or better
• Reduces the risk of dry eye
• Reduces the likelihood of a need for touch-up procedures

Flaps created using the IntraLase laser have been reported to cause heightened light sensitivity, but this normally is a temporary complication that can be resolved with steroid eye drops. During LASIK surgery of any type, a suction ring holds the eye. IntraLase uses a lower vacuum than traditional LASIK, but the vacuum is applied for a longer period of time. This can increase the chance of bleeding, but it is not harmful to vision and usually resolves on its own.

Once the flap has been created, the rest of the LASIK procedure is the same. An excimer laser is used to ablate the exposed surface and reshape the cornea to correct refractive error. The entire procedure takes about ten minutes. Recovery periods are similar between the two methods, but the flap itself tends to re-adhere and heal more quickly after IntraLase.

In the past, military pilots were not eligible for LASIK because extreme in-flight conditions could cause LASIK complications. The Bureau of Naval Medicine has launched a program allowing aviators to have LASIK surgery using IntraLase instead of a microkeratome to create the flap. If the program is successful, military pilots will finally be able to benefit from LASIK surgery.

IntraLase technology may soon be used in corneal transplants. In corneal transplants, instead of making a straight cut, IntraLase creates a more complicated incision on the donated cornea and the patient’s eye, which locks snugly into place. This can speed recovery and possibly reduce the risk of astigmatism, which is currently a common side effect of corneal transplants.

IntraLasik can be more expensive than traditional LASIK surgery, but for some patients, the benefits may be worth the extra cost. Some surgeons will only use the IntraLase method and no longer use the microkeratome, because they feel that the differences are that important.

If you are considering LASIK, talk to your ophthalmologist about IntraLasik today.