IntraLASIK Risks

No surgery is free from the potential for complications, and both IntraLASIK and LASIK have their share of inherent risks. The most effective technology cannot entirely remove the potential for complications, and all risks should be weighed when considering a surgery as important as laser vision correction. Below you will find information concerning the potential risks involved with the IntraLASIK procedure.

IntraLASIK vs. Traditional LASIK Risks

Traditional LASIK is performed using a blade called a microkeratome to create a corneal flap. An excimer laser then reshapes the cornea to correct the patient's vision. In the IntraLASIK procedure, the microkeratome is replaced by a computer-controlled laser, providing for increased precision in the creation of the flap.

The microkeratome is associated with 95 percent of the complications that occur in LASIK procedures. The replacement of the microkeratome with a second laser in IntraLASIK procedures successfully reduces the risk of one of the major complications involved in LASIK surgery. The instances of flap wrinkling occurring during IntraLASIK procedures are markedly less frequent than with traditional LASIK. The introduction of the IntraLase® laser allows surgeons to be more precise in their treatment, enabling them to create micron-precise flaps.

It should be noted that both LASIK and IntraLASIK have certain risks in common. Following either procedure, patients may experience increased sensitivity to bright light, or halos and glare around evening lights. Dry eye may also accompany the procedure, requiring the use of drops to restore moisture. In most cases, these minor complications resolve themselves shortly after the surgery.

Light Sensitivity (Photophobia)

Occurrences of photophobia, or light sensitivity, have been more common following IntraLASIK procedures than traditional LASIK. But many surgeons stress that the condition is temporary and can be successfully treated using steroidal eye drops for a few weeks.

Inflammation

As with any surgery, inflammation can occur in the tissue being operated upon. In LASIK and IntraLASIK procedures, the resulting inflammation and swelling occurs in the cornea. Though microscopic, this inflammation and swelling can lead to instances of blurred vision or moments of delayed clarity. In time, this should correct itself, but individuals younger than 40 or who have a higher initial corrective prescription can anticipate the need for additional time for their vision to stabilize and reach its peak clarity.

Flap Wrinkling

Traditional LASIK surgery, with its reliance upon the microkeratome, sometimes results in flap complications, such as wrinkling, that occur when the flap is cut too thin, not completely, or torn entirely. IntraLASIK, with its computer-enhanced technology, reduces these risks since the incision previously performed by the microkeratome can now be precisely measured and executed by a second computer-controlled laser. The flaps are created in uniform thickness by the second laser, which means there is less possibility of the newly created flap slipping or wrinkling if accidentally bumped or rubbed during the healing process. The cut that the additional laser performs allows the flap to rest like a perfectly seated manhole cover.

LASIK Surgeon Learning Curve

The IntraLase® laser, central to IntraLASIK procedures, is a precision instrument that is not necessarily ready to use "right out of the box." The problem that some doctors encounter, because of unfamiliarity and inexperience with the machine, is in not correctly setting the IntraLase® laser for their procedures. It is this difficulty that can result in a patient’s temporary postoperative inflammation or photophobia. However, the doctors who use the machine find that continued practice results in a more precise understanding of the proper energy settings. This, in turn, leads to increased accuracy and better corrected vision, with fewer risks of complications for patients.

Locate a LASIK Specialist in Your Region

To better understand both traditional LASIK and IntraLASIK procedures, as well as the risks associated with each, it is important to schedule a consultation with a skilled refractive surgeon. During your consultation, all of your questions and concerns can be addressed in greater detail. Use DocShop’s directory to contact a qualified LASIK practitioner in your area.