IntraLASIK Laser Vision Surgery

LASIK Without the Blade

IntraLASIK is a method of performing LASIK eye surgery in a totally bladeless fashion. IntraLASIK is often marketed as "all laser, blade-free" LASIK, as a laser is used to form the flap that is usually created by using a steel blade. IntraLase is the name of the first manufacturer to receive FDA approval for using femtosecond laser technology instead of a blade. Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) acquired IntraLase in 2007.

Traditional LASIK

During traditional LASIK, a special surgical blade called a microkeratome is used to create a flap of corneal tissue. The microkeratome blade oscillates back and forth at a high rate of speed to cut the corneal tissue. The flap is then folded back, allowing the middle layer of the cornea, called the stroma, to be gently reshaped with an excimer laser. The flap is then carefully put back into place.

Blade-Free LASIK

The IntraLASIK method involves using small, quick pulses of light to form microscopic bubbles to separate the tissue of the cornea. Thousands of these bubbles create a uniform layer at a specified depth. This layer is very smooth, and only takes about 15-30 seconds to create. Although this part of the procedure is quick, it does require a separate laser to make the cornea flap. Because this laser is sometimes located in a separate room, the patient may need to be moved for the excimer re-shaping portion of the surgery. Thus, IntraLASIK may take a few minutes longer than traditional LASIK.

IntraLASIK Advantages

• People with Thin Corneas May Be Considered

The IntraLase can be used for patients with thinner and flatter corneas. Thus, patients who were once turned away from LASIK may be considered candidates for IntraLASIK.
• Procedure Can Be Customized

Depending on the patient's eye anatomy, the doctor has the ability to customize the creation of the corneal flap. Because everyone's eyes are uniquely shaped, individualizing the corneal flap produces favorable outcomes.
• Better Overall Vision

Patients undergoing LASIK with the IntraLASIK method have reported better overall vision, including vision in dim environments. In one study, patients volunteered to have traditional LASIK in one eye and LASIK using the IntraLASIK method in the other eye. The vision resulting from the IntraLASIK-treated eye was preferred 3 to 1 over the eye treated with traditional LASIK.

Safety

Safety is also improved with IntraLASIK by eliminating the more severe microkeratome-related complications, such as invasive corneal incisions and "button-hole flaps," partial flaps that require additional healing. Also, the rate of retreatment is lower, and the possibility of developing dry eye, a known complication for some patients undergoing LASIK, also seems to be reduced when using the IntraLASIK method.

What You Should Know

Traditional LASIK is still a very safe procedure, with risk of complications being extremely low. However, many professionals will agree that the IntraLASIK method is advantageous. For example, NASA and the United States Military approved LASIK only with the use of AMO's CustomVue LASIK with the IntraLase method. This definitely gives IntraLASIK an advantage over more traditional methods of refractive surgery.

_{Source: Press release: SANTA ANA, California / PRNewswire-FirstCall. Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. (AMO)(NYSE: EYE) 21 Sep 2007.}