Patients considering LASIK procedures often wonder how IntraLase LASIK works. This state-of-the-art technique is also called bladeless LASIK or all-laser LASIK. Many people prefer IntraLase over traditional LASIK because of its high degree of precision, faster healing process, and low chance of complications.

Traditional LASIK involves the use of a microkeratome, which is a thin steel blade. This blade creates a tiny corneal flap. After this, an Excimer laser can be used to reshape the cornea. With IntraLase LASIK, no blade use is required. Instead, a precise laser is used to create the flap.

What Is the IntraLase LASIK Process Like?

The IntraLase LASIK process starts with a consultation with one of our experienced eye doctors. This includes a full eye exam and a discussion of your medical history. If you have had laser-based refractive surgery in the past, this procedure may not be right for you.

Next, your eye doctor will tell you more about the IntraLase LASIK process. This will include preparation steps and directions for the recovery process.

A wavefront analysis test will be performed on the surface of your corneas to create a diagram. The results will be programmed directly into the Excimer laser. The wavefront analysis test allows the doctor to decide on the exact locations of corneal tissue removal. The dimensions of the corneal flap will be determined with incredible accuracy.

The IntraLase LASIK Treatment Session

IntraLase LASIK is an outpatient procedure that is very efficient. Typically, only five to ten minutes are needed per eye.

Patients are awake during the process. Their eyes are numbed using eye drops, and a mild sedative may be administered. This ensures that the patient is fully comfortable through the procedure and that no pain is felt. The eyelids are kept open using a medical device.

To make the very small corneal flap, the IntraLaser femtosecond laser is applied in short bursts. This creates lamellar corneal resections and incisions using photodisruption.

What this means is that the laser energy forms microscopic bubbles at specific predetermined positions in the tissue through use of shockwaves. The laser connects these gas bubbles, separating the corneal tissue on a molecular level using great precision. Surrounding tissues are not affected.

Next, corneal tissue is removed using the Excimer laser. Corneal flatness or steepness can be addressed. This reshaping process allows the corneas to refract light onto the retina properly. As a result, vision is greatly improved.

Finally, the flap is easily returned to its proper position. There is no need for any surgical glue or stitches.

What Are the Benefits of IntraLase LASIK?

The precision of IntraLase flap creation improves the chance of 20/20 vision. IntraLase LASIK greatly reduces the chances of incorrectly formed flaps and flaps that are disconnected from the cornea. The flap it creates is smoother, helping to avoid irregularities that could lead to vision issues.

Additionally, this process helps create a flap that is thinner. This is especially ideal for patients with naturally thinner corneas, which can pose a problem for traditional LASIK.

IntraLase LASIK also results in a faster and safer healing process with less scarring. Patients report a high degree of satisfaction and a very low incidence of complications.

Find Out More

To learn more about the IntraLase LASIK process and whether it’s right for you, contact Patel Eye Associates today. We will be happy to meet with you for a consultation and discuss the procedure in further detail.