IntraLase® FAQs
What is IntraLase® (Bladeless LASIK)
IntraLase® is an advanced surgical technique performed as part of the LASIK procedure to eliminate the use of a blade when creating the corneal flap. The flap allows for access to the cornea to correct surface abnormalities that lead to nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Am I a candidate for the IntraLase® procedure?
IntraLase is ideal for patients over the age of 18 with stable vision who are seeking laser vision correction and are hesitant about going "under the knife" for traditional LASIK. It may also be performed on patients who are not candidates for the traditional procedure, including those with weaker corneas or large pupils. It is important that patients are in good overall health and do not have eye conditions such as dry eye or cornea scarring that could affect the outcome of this procedure.
What are the benefits of IntraLase®?
IntraLase offers patients many benefits over the traditional LASIK procedure, including improved accuracy and customization, shorter recovery times and a reduced risk of flap-related complications. Many patients feel more comfortable undergoing laser treatment rather than LASIK with a blade.
The IntraLase technique also allows for complete customization of the LASIK procedure to accommodate each patient's individual vision needs. All elements of surgery, including the size, location and angle of the flap, can be customized for the most precise results. Patients can further improve the accuracy of this procedure by choosing an experienced surgeon to perform their IntraLase treatment.
How does the IntraLase® procedure work?
The IntraLase® procedure involves delivering rapid pulses of laser energy to gently and precisely create the corneal flap that is used as part of the laser vision correction procedure. The laser energy creates microscopic bubbles within the eye, which then allows the top layer of tissue to be separated for corneal access.
The delivery of laser energy is carefully determined prior to treatment based on each patient's individual vision needs. Each IntraLase procedure is completely customized, allowing patients to achieve the most precise results possible.
Once the flap has been created, the cornea is treated with an excimer laser to correct surface abnormalities using the same method as the traditional LASIK procedure. Once corrections are made, the flap is moved back.
Is IntraLase® painful?
Creating a corneal flap with laser energy rather than a blade is associated with substantially less discomfort. Your doctor will apply anesthetic numbing drops to the eye, as well as a ring to flatten the cornea in order to reduce any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Most patients report only slight pressure during the IntraLase procedure.
Are most patients satisfied with the results of their IntraLase® treatment?
Most patients who undergo the IntraLase procedure are highly satisfied with their results, as well as with the entire treatment process, and would undergo it again if given the choice. In fact, IntraLase is preferred 3-to-1 over the traditional LASIK procedure because of its improved accuracy, shorter recovery times and reduced risk of complications.
Is IntraLase® considered a safe procedure?
IntraLase is considered a safe procedure for most patients who are ideal candidates for treatment. As compared to the traditional LASIK procedure performed with a microkeratome blade, IntraLase patients tend to experience fewer complications, which can be reduced even further by choosing an experienced surgeon and following postoperative instructions.
