Wilmington IntraLase – Bladeless LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK eye surgery requires the creation of a corneal flap, a thin piece of tissue that is lifted from the surface of the eye to allow access to the underlying cornea. Traditionally, the corneal flap has been created with a handheld surgical device called a microkeratome. During IntraLASIK eye surgery, Dr. Smith uses a femtosecond laser, rather than a microkeratome, to cut the corneal flap. Because no blade is involved, LASIK performed in this way is called blade-free LASIK, bladeless LASIK and all-laser LASIK. It is also called IntraLASIK due to the brand name of the most commonly used femtosecond laser – IntraLase.
Although microkeratomes are still in use today, in 2001 the FDA approved the femtosecond laser technology for the creation of the corneal flap. A femtosecond laser combines infrared light with IntraLase software to create a corneal flap at a specific depth and position determined prior to surgery. When applied to the surface of the eye, high-energy light pulses separate the corneal tissue through a process called photodisruption. Depending on the type of femtosecond laser used, the corneal flap can be created in less than 60 seconds per eye.
As a highly experienced eye surgeon, Dr. Smith offers both conventional LASIK (with the corneal flap created with a microkeratome) and IntraLASIK.
Advantages of All-Laser LASIK Eye Surgery
- All-laser LASIK greatly reduces anxiety for patients who fear surgical blades.
- The thickness and diameter of flaps created with IntraLase are programmed into the laser and are therefore more precise and predictable than corneal flaps created with a microkeratome.
- Flaps created with IntraLase have a thickness that is consistent across the diameter.
- The accuracy of IntraLASIK is beneficial for patients with thin corneas, large pupils and high degrees of visual imperfection.
Disadvantages of All-Laser LASIK Eye Surgery
- Longer treatment time
- Prolonged recovery by one to three days
- Greater chance for temporary eye redness
Dr. Smith and his medical team believe in highly individualized treatments and will therefore help you decide whether you are a conventional LASIK or bladeless LASIK Wilmington candidate. If you have a fear of surgical blades, please mention this during your pre-operative consultation. If you cannot undergo any form of LASIK, Dr. Smith might perform PRK surgery. During this procedure, no flap is created and thus our Wilmington PRK patients are not exposed to any surgical blades.
Please contact our practice at (302) 993-1300 to schedule your LASIK consultation or use our online appointment request form. You may also use the online appointment form if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our talented Wilmington glaucoma surgery, corneal transplant surgery or Delaware cataract surgery with premium IOLs providers.
