IntraLase LASIK Vs Traditional LASIK

We have both the microkeratome and Intralase at our office. Before we began using the Intralase laser, we had a higher rate of complication with the corneal flaps. I now have control over how thick a specific patients flap should be instead of one-size-fits-all with the microkeratome. The other reason I love the Intralase is that when the flap is placed back on the cornea, it fits in like a man-hole cover as opposed to just resting back in place. There is a greater likelihood that the flap will move around after the microkeratome is used when compared to the Intralase. At our practice, we charge the same for both technologies, making the decision easy for our patients. Go with the better technology. -Dr. Clinch

IntraLASIK is different from LASIK in that it is completely blade-free creating the flap. In IntraLASIK, the flap is made by the separation of the corneal tissue performed with a femtosecond laser ray, which is completely computer controlled and supported by the Inralase software. The results are extraordinary, delivering maximum safety to the patient and a level of precision that is unparalleled for the surgeon. Every procedure is controlled according to the specific visual problem of each patient, so that the surgeon designs the procedure according to the patient’s corneal anatomy. For those patients who have been unsure of whether to get LASIK or not, IntraLASIK now brings unquestioned safety and efficacy that had never been seen before. This technology delivers extraordinary results that have raised the bar in Refractive Surgery. Indeed, our goal is nothing short of 100 percent success for our patients. We call it surgical precision and you deserve nothing less.

IntraLase is a laser that is used specifically to create the corneal flap in the first part of LASIK, or other corneal procedures. In traditional LASIK, a handheld oscillating blade is used in the first step to create the corneal flap. In general IntraLase is:
More preciseCreates a smoother LASIK corneal bed, thus better visionVirtually eliminates flap complications (99% of LASIK complications, which are rare, are flap complications)Reduces incidence and severity of dry eyes after LASIKQuicker recoveryMost importantly when compared head to head to handheld blades, it yields better visionIntraLase uses a computer guided laser, which greatly reduces the uncertainty and risks associated with the oscillating blade and and makes LASIK a truly precise all laser procedure. Since most LASIK complications may be traced back to the flap, it is believed that flap creation is one of the most important steps, and requires the high technology solution of the IntraLase method.A corneal flap created with IntraLase is customized as to shape, diameter, thickness, depending on each eye's unique curvature, corneal thickness, diameter and shape.When a LASIK flap is created with IntraLase, the resulting surface of the underlying stroma is much smoother when compared to the surface after the mechanical blade.