Intralase Atlanta Specialist Dr. Farooq Ashraf

Blade-Free LASIK FAQ (cont.)

2.How does IntraLase change the LASIK procedure??
LASIK is actually a two-step process. In the first step, the surgeon creates a flap of corneal tissue and folds it back to prepare the eye for the second step, where an excimer laser is used on the inner cornea to correct vision. This two-step process allows for rapid visual recovery with little or no patient discomfort.

Traditionally, the corneal flap was created with a hand-held microkeratome blade. While this method has worked well over the years, the performance of these devices can be unpredictable and is frequently the source of a majority of LASIK complications.

With IntraLase, Dr Ashraf uses the precision of a computer-guided laser to create the corneal flap. IntraLase delivers micron-level accuracy 100 percent greater than that of a microkeratome, giving the surgeon more control during the procedure and the ability to establish precise dimensions and thickness of the corneal flap, factors which are critical to a successful LASIK outcome.

This level of precision is unparalleled by any other technology in vision correction surgery. IntraLase allows surgeons to tailor the corneal flap for each individual patient, and each individual eye. Because of its consistent accuracy, IntraLase may make LASIK a viable option even for patients who previously didn't qualify, such as those with thin corneas.

3. Is IntraLase safer?
Yes. IntraLase improves the safety, precision and visual results of LASIK, whether you choose to have a standard or custom procedure.

This is a result of the superior precision provided by the computer-guided IntraLase laser, as compared to that of a hand-held microkeratome, which houses a metal blade that cuts across the cornea to create the flap. In comparison, IntraLase uses the precision of a beam of light to create a laser flap without traveling across the cornea, virtually eliminating severe sight-threatening complications as a result.

Its precision is the source of its safety. Accuracy of flap thickness has been demonstrated at +/- 10 microns.* Precise flap thickness is critical to a successful LASIK outcome, and IntraLase flaps feature a consistent thickness from edge to edge. This degree of accuracy is unprecedented in flap creation technology to date.

Flap stability is also an important factor, as the consequences of flap slippage can be quite problematic. IntraLase flaps provide added assurance and peace of mind for many patients

4. Is traditional LASIK unsafe?
No, but IntraLase reduces the risk of complications reported with the microkeratome and has given many patients more confidence in choosing laser vision correction.

5. Is this the same as the customized procedure I have heard so much about?
No. Custom LASIK generally refers to an individualized visual diagnosis using technology called "wavefront," which allows for customized treatment with the excimer laser. 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 the patient has the opportunity for an optimized visual result, it can be done with unprecedented safety and precision.

Every patient's eyes are different and therefore need to be evaluated independently and treated uniquely. Now all steps of the laser vision correction procedure may be personalized to the individual: custom diagnosis with wavefront, personalized flap creation with IntraLase, and custom laser vision correction with custom ablation.

6. How do the visual outcomes using IntraLase compare with those of traditional LASIK with a microkeratome?
Clinical studies confirm that patients see better following IntraLase-initiated LASIK than with the hand-held microkeratome blade.

More patients achieve 20/20 or better vision with IntraLase initiated LASIK.
Patients stating a preference preferred the post-operative vision of their IntraLase-treated eye 3 to 1 over their blade-treated eye.
IntraLase creates fewer high and low order aberrations, frequently associated with glare and halos at night.
IntraLase patients have a reduced incidence of post-operative dry eye symptoms.
IntraLase patients required fewer enhancement procedures following LASIK.
The precision of the IntraLase flap significantly reduces the incidence of post-operative induced astigmatism as compared with a microkeratome-created flap.

7. I have seen several advertisements for "All-Laser LASIK." Is this IntraLase?
Maybe. Contrary to popular belief, LASIK is not an "all-laser" procedure, due to the use of the microkeratome blade. Only LASIK procedures that use IntraLase can be considered "all-laser."

Dr Ashraf can explain the difference between other procedures that may be advertised as "all laser," such as LASEK, PRK or epi-LASIK - all of which are surface ablation procedures. Because they are performed without creating a corneal flap, these procedures generally require longer healing time and frequently involve more discomfort and a delay in visual recovery.

8. Is IntraLase more expensive?
Yes. Most patients agree that the added level of safety, assurance and predictably better vision offered by IntraLase is worth the incremental cost. IntraLase surgeons are leaders in the field of ophthalmology who continually evaluate advances in technology. They've determined that the IntraLase is the most sophisticated and accurate system available today for flap creation and have invested in the technology to sustain their leadership in patient care.