| What
is IntraLase?
Traditional LASIK is a
very good procedure. While the risk of complication is
very low, all surgery carries some degree of risk and
anything that reduces that risk is good for patients.
With LASIK, most complications that do occur are due to
problems making the flap in the outer layer of the cornea
with the microkeratome blade.
Dr. Tyson has recently
added an advanced computer-controlled laser technology
known as IntraLase that significantly reduces the risk
of flap complications. The IntraLase laser is uniquely
safe and precise and delivers predictably better visual
results. Patients appreciate the additional measure of
confidence IntraLase technology gives them when choosing
laser vision correction and surgeons appreciate the very
high level of accuracy and significant reduction of unpredictable
outcomes.
How is IntraLase different
from traditional LASIK?
LASIK is actually a two-step
process. First, a flap of corneal tissue is created and
lifted, and then the surgeon reshapes the underlying corneal
tissue with an excimer laser. The flap is laid back down
afterward to provide a protective covering while the treated
tissue heals. Traditionally, the corneal flap has
been made with a hand-held mechanical device with a surgical
blade known as a microkeratome. Although this method works
well for most patients, the performance of these devices
can be unpredictable. With IntraLase, the flap is made
with the precision only a laser can provide: it is 100
times more accurate than a blade. This gives the surgeon
more control during the procedure and allows customization
of the corneal flap for each patient. Also, IntraLase’s
consistent accuracy allows many patients with thin corneas
to have LASIK. Such patients were previously not eligible
for LASIK.
Why Bladeless LASIK?
LASIK laser vision correction surgery has advanced steadily
over the years; the technology used to measure your visual
error prior to surgery has become more powerful and corrections
can be optimized to your needs. Until the IntraLase laser,
however, the creation of the corneal flap was the one
step that lacked the technological sophistication of the
rest of the LASIK procedure.
In addition, if you were
not eligible for LASIK surgery performed with a microkeratome
due to steep, flat, or thin corneas, you may now be a
candidate with the IntraLase Method. IntraLase is the
most advanced technology for corneal flap creation available
today, and will give you greater confidence and assurance
in moving forward with laser vision correction.
What are the benefits
of creating the LASIK flap with an IntraLase laser
- The
safety and accuracy of 100% bladefree, all laser LASIK
procedure – a blade never touches your eye.
- The
chance of a perfect flap with the IntraLase is nearly
100%. In comparision between 1 in 100 and 1 and 500
procedures with microkeratome LASIK have a problem with
creation of the flap.
- Enables
more people to achieve 20/20 (normal) vision or better
compared to using a microkeratome.
- Creation
of the LASIK flap with IntraLase is preferred by patients.
Vision is preferred 3 to 1 over eyes treated with blade
initiated LASIK eye (among those who stated a preference).
- Proven
technology that has been available in the US since 2001.
- To
date over one million people have had their
LASIK flap created using IntraLase.
- IntraLase
LASIK is the only LASIK surgery approved for use in
US AirForce pilots. Studies with microkeratome LASIK
showed too much loss of quality of vision. In comparison,
IntraLase LASIK has been shown to maintain quality of
vision.
Is this the same
as the customized procedure I have heard so much about?
It’s the critical first step of the customized procedure.
There has never been a combination of technologies that
have allowed for this type of personalized vision correction.
The most exciting part is that while offering the ability
to get the best results, we are doing it all with unprecedented
safety and precision.
Every patient’s eyes are
different and therefore need to be evaluated independently
and uniquely treated. Now all steps of the laser vision
correction procedure may be customized to the individual:
custom diagnosis (before the procedure), custom flap (to
start the procedure), and custom treatment (to complete
the procedure).
Is IntraLase safe?
Multiple studies comparing the rate of complications when
using the IntraLase laser versus a microkeratome have
shown a significant decrease in complications and problems.
Studies also found greater flap stability in eyes treated
with the IntraLase laser. The assurance that the flap
will be securely re-positioned after treatment provides
added peace of mind for patients.
Does this mean traditional LASIK is unsafe?
No, but IntraLase reduces the risk of complications
that are reported with traditional LASIK, and we feel
that it is very important for our patients.
How do the visual outcomes
using IntraLase compare with those of traditional LASIK?
Comparative clinical studies confirm that patients
see better following laser vision correction with IntraLase
than with other methods.
I have seen advertisements for “All-Laser LASIK.” Is
this IntraLase?
IntraLase is all-laser LASIK, but there are other,
less accurate procedures that are described that way as
well. Dr. Tyson can explain the difference between IntraLase
LASIK and other procedures that may be advertised as “all
laser,” such as LASEK or PRK, which are surface ablations
that do not require a corneal flap. These procedures generally
require longer healing time with more discomfort.
Is IntraLase more
expensive?
LASIK surgery may be elective but good vision is not.
Advanced technologies are usually more expensive for the
surgeon to employ in a practice. IntraLase surgeons are
frequently key opinion leaders who continually evaluate
all advances in technology. They have found that the IntraLase
computer-guided laser for flap creation is the most sophisticated
and accurate system available today.
IntraLase technology provides
greater precision, safety and predictability. IntraLase
surgeons believe that laser vision correction enriched
with IntraLase is one of the most important advances in
technology today. Because of its unique safety profile,
these surgeons have invested in the technology in order
to maintain their commitment to excellence in patient
care.
How can I learn more?
To make an appointment for a free laser vision correction
screening consultation, call 1-800-922-1766. |
