LASIK Surgery
Consumer Guide to LASIK Surgery

IntraLase LASIK

IntraLase: Blade-Free LASIK

IntraLase technology is one of newest options available to LASIK patients. This advancement in LASIK surgery allows for safer, more individualized, precise treatment, and better vision results with fewer problems after surgery. IntraLase also qualifies more people for LASIK that may not have been a good candidate with traditional LASIK.

LASIK Surgery Using IntraLase

LASIK surgery is a two step process. The first step in LASIK surgery is to cut a flap into the corneal cover. With IntraLase LASIK, laser energy is used to cut the corneal flap, replacing the use of a microkeratome blade as is used with traditional LASIK. In both procedures, once the flap is made, the second step is to reshape the inner surface of the cornea with an excimer laser.

Since IntraLase LASIK utilizes laser energy to perform both steps of the LASIK procedure, it is often referred to Blade-Free LASIK, bladeless LASIK, or all-laser LASIK. IntraLase is usually used in conjunction with Custom Wavefront Lasik, but it can be used with traditional LASIK as well.

About IntraLase Technology

The IntraLase laser technology was approved for LASIK by the FDA in 2001. IntraLase uses femtosecond laser energy, an ultrafast, infrared beam of light that can precisely separate the corneal tissue at the molecular level without transferring heat or damaging the surrounding tissue.

The cut made by the IntraLase laser is pre-programmed into the computer by the surgeon based on the unique shape of a patient’s eye. The LASIK surgeon can personalize specific aspects of the flap cut, such as thickness and circumference, to customize treatment for each patient.

Comparing IntraLase LASIK and Traditional LASIK

LASIK surgeons agree that cutting the corneal flap is the important first step in LASIK eye surgery, but there is not clear agreement as to whether or not it is best to use a microkeratome or IntraLase laser. Both methods are considered safe and effective. With traditional LASIK, the cut is made using a special cutting tool called a microkeratome. Overall, the microkeratome has provided very good results with few problems. In some instances, however, the IntraLase may be a better choice for a patient.

  • When cutting the corneal flap with the microkeratome, although rare, it is possible to make an uneven cut or to cut the flap too large, causing scarring and vision problems.
  • Corneal flaps made with IntraLase tend to adhere more securely, which may reduce problems of long-term flap displacement.
  • With IntraLase, the cut is more precise and the process is sterile, therefore there is less chance of contamination or infection.
  • IntraLase may create light sensitivity, but the condition is often temporary and treatable with steroid eyedrops.
  • IntraLase benefits patients with thin corneas. Because the laser is able to cut the flap with such precision, the corneal flap can be cut thinner than with a microkeratome.
  • IntraLase can also be used on patients who have had previous corneal surgery, such as Radial Keratotomy (RK), a procedure no longer performed that involved cutting the corneal surface to correct refractive errors.
  • IntraLase is safer for patients with glaucoma concerns, because the IntraLase places less pressure on the eye.
  • IntraLase is the better choice for people with dry eye, since the IntraLase spares more of the sensory nerves in the cornea that are responsible for reflex tearing.
  • IntraLase appeals to LASIK patients who have avoided laser eye surgery because they have a fear of the microkeratome blade cutting the corneal flap.
  • Cutting the flap with IntraLase takes about 15-20 seconds, while the microkeratome takes about 3 seconds. The inside layer of the cornea is exposed for a longer amount of time with IntraLase, which may increase eye irritation and healing time by several days.

Cost of IntraLase

The potential benefits of IntraLase technology is accompanied by a higher cost. IntraLase treatment costs, on average, about $300 per eye, in addition to the cost of LASIK surgery. Some surgeons bundle IntraLase treatment and LASIK into one price, while some surgeons break out the prices of IntraLase and LASIK separately and give you the treatment option.

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