IntraLASIK – Bladeless, All-Laser LASIK

Although LASIK is the most popular vision correction procedure in the United States, more than 55 million Americans who are candidates for vision surgery have, so far, opted not to have it performed. It is believed that many have avoided LASIK because of the use of the hand-held blade traditionally used in the procedure. However, a recently approved laser technology is calming patients’ fears by replacing the blade with a sophisticated laser. The IntraLase® laser is the first and only laser technology approved for use in the first step of the LASIK procedure, creating the corneal flap. The level of safety and precision this bladeless LASIK delivers is revolutionizing LASIK. Learn more about IntraLASIK, the new, all-laser LASIK, by clicking the links to the right.

What is IntraLASIK?

During traditional LASIK surgery, the surgeon first creates a flap in the cornea with a microkeratome blade, and then reshapes the cornea in a way that improves the patient’s vision. IntraLASIK is an innovative new method in which the surgeon programs the desired depth and position of the corneal flap into a computer system prior to actual surgery, making the creation of the flap an incredibly safe and accurate procedure.

IntraLASIK Equipment – The IntraLase® Laser

The IntraLase® system involves both an infrared laser and the IntraLASIK software, in which your doctor programs the specific depth and position needed for your prescription. The Intralase® laser uses small, swift pulses of laser light to create the flap in your cornea. Learn more about IntraLase® laser technology.

The IntraLASIK Procedure

During the bladeless LASIK procedure, the IntraLase® laser moves back and forth across the surface of the eye and creates an even layer of bubbles just beneath the surface of the cornea. Pulses of light pass through the top layers of the cornea according to specific measurements predetermined by your surgeon. The doctor gently folds the flap back and is ready to begin the second step of the IntraLASIK procedure. Get an in-depth explanation of the IntraLASIK eye surgery procedure.

Candidates for All-Laser LASIK

If you have a high prescription or thin corneas, you may be a good candidate for all-laser LASIK, as this procedure has the ability to create a very thin flap in order to maintain the thickness of the cornea. If you are uncomfortable with the thought of traditional bladed surgery, you may feel more at peace undergoing bladeless LASIK. Find out if you are a good candidate for bladeless laser eye surgery.

IntraLASIK Risks and Benefits

As with any surgical procedure, IntraLASIK has both risks and benefits that should be discussed fully with your LASIK surgeon. Generally, the IntraLASIKprocedure takes more time than with the traditional microkeratome blade, about 15-20 seconds per eye, compared to about three seconds per eye. Your eyes may be red for a few days, and your visual recovery can be slower than with the microkeratome. Get a complete explanation of IntraLASIK risks.

The benefits of bladeless LASIK are that the flap thickness and diameter are pre-programmed into the IntraLASIK software by your surgeon, and are therefore very predictable. This greater accuracy and control is especially beneficial to those patients with particularly thin corneas. The IntraLase® laser also has the lowest occurrence of flap complications, such as partial flap, buttonhole flap, or wrinkling. Learn more about the benefits of all-laser LASIK.

IntraLASIK Statistics

The IntraLase® laser was approved by the FDA in 2001 and has since been used to treat more than 250,000 eyes. Studies show that 81 percent of patients choose bladeless LASIK over traditional LASIK with a microkeratome when given the choice. Many doctors feel IntraLASIK is the best choice for treatment in certain cases. Learn more about IntraLASIK laser eye surgery statistics.

Cost of All-Laser LASIK

Prices for all-laser LASIK vary from one doctor to another and from one region to the next. The cost of bladeless surgery is one factor to take into consideration when deciding whether or not the procedure is right for you. Learn more about IntraLASIK cost, including price by region, financing, and payment options.

IntraLASIK FAQs

Before undergoing surgery, patients often have a lot of questions and concerns regarding their procedure. Questions on the subject of all-laser LASIK often relate to the cost, benefits, and complications of surgery, as well as the difference between IntraLASIK and other procedures. View a list of IntraLASIK vision correction FAQs.

Choosing an IntraLASIK Surgeon

As with any surgical procedure, the technology employed is only as good as the surgeon who uses it. To achieve the best results with IntraLASIK, you will need to find an experienced surgeon you can trust. Learn more about choosing an IntraLASIK surgeon.

Search for a LASIK Surgeon in Your Area

Any decision regarding the IntraLASIK procedure or the IntraLase® laser should be based upon your own unique circumstances. After a full examination by a qualified doctor, you can get a good idea of the probability of achieving your desired outcome with bladeless LASIK. Look for a LASIK surgeon in your area.