The IntraLASIK Eye Surgery Procedure

The fundamental difference between LASIK and IntraLASIK eye surgery is the latter procedure's replacement of the microkeratome with a second laser. Sometimes called bladeless LASIK surgery, the IntraLASIK procedure allows for a greater degree of accuracy to be achieved while reducing the frequency and severity of postoperative complications. Below you will find information concerning the IntraLASIK procedure and what to expect before and after surgery.

LASIK Surgery Before IntraLASIK

Most patients don’t realize that LASIK surgery is performed in two steps. First, the surgeon makes the corneal flap by cutting a thin layer of tissue that is folded back to expose the inner cornea. Then, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea and correct the patient’s vision. Until the introduction of the IntraLase® laser, the first step of LASIK surgery was performed with a microkeratome, a metal blade that travels across the eye to create a corneal flap. The use of the microkeratome is associated with the majority of LASIK complications, which occur in up to 10 percent of all LASIK surgery procedures. The most common complications include buttonhole cuts, partial or improperly formed flaps, free caps, invasive corneal incisions, corneal abrasions, and subsequently blurred vision.

The IntraLASIK Procedure

By replacing the blade with precise, ultra-fast laser technology, IntraLASIK eye surgery with the IntraLase® laser virtually eliminates the most severe, sight-threatening complications associated with the use of a microkeratome. During the bladeless LASIK procedure, instead of cutting the eye, the surgeon uses a computer-controlled laser beam to a create micron-level precise corneal flap as well as an optimally-prepared corneal bed for excimer vision correction.

How IntraLase® Creates the Corneal Flap

The IntraLase® laser works using an "inside-out" process, focusing the beam of light at a precise point within the stroma (corneal tissue). Pulsing at a speed of one-quadrillionth of a second, the laser creates thousands of microscopic bubbles that link together to define the precise shape and depth of the flap. These bubbles are then stacked up to the surface of the cornea to complete the flap.

The computer-guided laser allows the doctor to program the exact flap diameter, depth, hinge location and width, and side-cut architecture – factors that can be varied to meet patients’ individual needs. Bladeless LASIK is particularly beneficial for patients with thin or thick corneas, factors that might otherwise disqualify them for traditional LASIK surgery.

The entire process of creating the corneal flap with all-laser LASIK takes about 30 seconds. Once the corneal flap is created, the surgeon lifts the flap to reveal a pristine corneal surface and proceeds with the laser vision correction portion of the LASIK surgery. Only procedures that use the IntraLase® laser for creating the corneal flap can be considered all-laser LASIK.

After the IntraLASIK Procedure

Typically, most patients are very comfortable following their IntraLASIK eye surgery procedure. A marked improvement in vision is likely to be noticed by the very next day, with most patients being able to resume normal function, including driving and returning to work, at this time. However, patients will be asked to avoid eye makeup for three days following their procedure, as well as to avoid swimming or rubbing their eyes for two weeks.

There may be some sensitivity to bright light in the weeks following the IntraLASIK eye surgery. Patients sometimes report seeing halos around lights at night. On occasion, patients may experience dry eye and require lubricating drops to restore moisture to their eyes. These symptoms most always decrease shortly after the surgery. Nevertheless, subsequent check-ups will help ensure that the eyes are healing properly and that the new vision is crisp and clear.

Interested in Bladeless LASIK? Find a Surgeon Near You

Bladeless LASIK eye surgery can help you achieve vision you never knew you could have. Contact an IntraLASIK specialist in your area to learn more about what IntraLASIK can do for you.