Laser Vision Correction

Custom Bladeless LASIK

IntraLase® has redefined the world of LASIK vision correction. Also known as bladeless LASIK, the IntraLase® all-laser procedure eliminates the need for a metal blade during surgery, helping bring clear vision to many people who feel uneasy about going “under the knife” during LASIK.

The state-of-the-art IntraLase® technology replaces the microkeratome blade that has traditionally been used to cut the necessary corneal flap during laser vision correction procedures. Rather than creating the flap with a blade, IntraLase® uses laser energy to make a quick, painless incision. By replacing the hand-held blade with a computer-controlled laser, the risk of complications is virtually eliminated.

The Benefits of IntraLase®

Because of the low risk of complications and high level of precision it provides, bladeless LASIK treatment has become the standard of care among leading LASIK surgeons and ophthalmic teaching institutions worldwide.

Compared to methods that use a microkeratome blade, this minimally invasive and incredibly precise procedure decreases the occurrence of partial flaps, holes in the flap, and other traumatic flap complications. Of the more than 500,000 IntraLase® procedures that have been performed globally to date, there have been no reports of any serious or sight-threatening complications.

Am I a good candidate for Bladeless LASIK?

An eye exam is required to see if you are a candidate for laser vision correction. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to ensure that their eyes have matured. Also, vision must have remained stable without an infection or injury for one year prior to the surgery. Ideal candidates for IntraLase® surgery do not suffer from dry eye syndrome or any autoimmune disorder such as lupus or Sjogren’s syndrome, and have no scarring on the cornea.

Bladeless LASIK Procedure

LASIK is performed on an outpatient basis using only numbing eye drops to reduce any potential discomfort during the procedure. The entire surgery takes less than five minutes to perform, although patients can expect to spend a few hours at the office. If requested, patients can receive an oral sedative prior to surgery to relieve any anxieties about the procedure.

During the LASIK procedure, the patient will lie down while the doctor positions the laser precisely over the eye. A speculum will be used to keep the eye open, the eye is cleaned and numbing drops are placed. LASIK is performed with the IntraLase® laser to create the corneal flap, which gently lifts the surface of the cornea so that the excimer laser can reshape the curvature of the cornea.

Once the flap is created, the excimer laser delivers completely customized pulses of light energy for each patient’s individual prescription. This customization is determined prior to surgery, with the precise positioning confirmed prior to triggering the laser. The second eye is treated right after the first, after which patients will be given protective shields to keep the eyes safe from bright lights after LASIK.

Vision Results from LASIK

While it may take several months for full results to develop, significant visual improvement is noticeable immediately after the LASIK procedure. Most patients eventually achieve vision that is 20/20 or better, and are able to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) Surgery

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a unique laser vision correction procedure that uses an excimer laser to burn away a small amount (about 5 to 30 percent) of the top of the cornea in order to correct refractive errors. Instead of cutting a flap into the cornea with a blade like the traditional LASIK procedure, this method preserves the strength of the cornea and avoids the risk of perforation and other flap errors commonly associated with the blade method.

The PRK procedure also provides the surgeon with greater control over the location and amount of tissue being removed, allowing patients to enjoy a much more accurate treatment. The PRK method involves gently sculpting the cornea rather than cutting, allowing your surgeon to treat greater degrees of nearsightedness, as well as farsightedness and astigmatism. Up to 95 percent of patients with a correction of up to -6.00 diopters achieved vision of 20/40 or better after PRK, with up to 70 percent achieving 20/20.

Candidates for PRK

Before LASIK was available, PRK was the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure. LASIK brought about several advantages over PRK, including less discomfort and faster results, but PRK is still preferred for patients with large pupils or thin corneas who are not candidates for LASIK, as it maintains corneal strength while providing impressive vision correction. This procedure is also ideal for those patients who are worried about “going under the knife” during the traditional LASIK procedure.