Intralase “Bladeless” LASIK

Intralase, also called “bladeless LASIK”, is one of a number of techniques and lasers that are used to perform LASIK eye surgery. The Intralase method is a 100% blade-free technique. This is in contrast to the more traditional LASIK eye surgery where a metal blade is used to create the corneal flap. The corneal flap is needed to allow the laser to reshape the inner cornea. The reshaping of the cornea by an excimer laser is where the actual correction of vision occurs.

How Intralase Differs From Traditional Lasik

The Intralase bladeless LASIK system is different because it uses small, frequent pulses of light to create the corneal flap. The pulses of light by the laser create the corneal flap by forming microscopic bubbles at a predetermined position. The surgeon then gently pulls back the cornea allowing for the Intralase laser to perform the corrective portion of the surgery.

The Procedure

Your surgeon will apply a numbing drop to your eye and then insert a ring gently into your eye socket to keep your eyelid open and immobile. After applying the ring, the surgeon will softly flatten the cornea of the eye. You may feel a small amount of pressure but little or no pain. After this, the Intralase laser creates the incision for the flap. This is followed by the actual reshaping of the cornea with the excimer laser. It takes about fifteen minutes to complete the procedure for both eyes. You will receive post-op instructions from your surgeon as well as when to return for check-ups.

Bladeless LASIK Facts

• Studies have shown the incidence of dry eye symptoms may be reduced using “bladeless LASIK”
• Utilizing “bladeless LASIK”, surgeons can treat a wider variety of patients, including patients with thin corneas
• Bladeless LASIK has been used for over one million LASIK procedures around the world

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