IntraLase, with its femtosecond laser technology, gained FDA approval in 2001 for an even faster way to create the corneal flap in LASIK vision correction surgery. In 2007, the predecessor to Abbott Medical Optics acquired IntraLase and the company integrated it with the company's CustomVue excimer laser platform. iLASIK is the way the new integrated system is now marketed in the United States.
Once IntraLase gained widespread popularity, IntraLase technology became known by a number of different names, including:
IntraLase LASIK Advantages
Relieving a patient's anxiety is one of the most powerful reasons for IntraLase selection over mechanical bladed instrument use for creating the corneal flap in LASIK surgery. Beyond reducing a patient's apprehensions, IntraLase also offers the following improvements:
Possible Disadvantages of Bladeless LASIK
Eye surgeons have reported two postoperative complications in some patients. Those complications center upon the laser-created flaps. Reported complications include:
Eye redness or bleeding is not vision threatening and is only a cosmetic complication. The issue will resolve itself in a matter of weeks.
General Expectations Following IntraLase LASIK
Recoveries from IntraLase LASIK are quite similar to other LASIK surgeries. For up to two days, you may experience some eye irritation. Studies have shown that using IntraLase LASIK may decrease your chances of dry eye after LASIK.
Weighing the Cost of IntraLase Technology
A survey by the International Society of Refractive Surgery of the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that 40 percent of eye surgeons preferred creating LASIK flaps with the femtosecond laser to bladed microkeratome. However many eye surgeons still prefer to use microkeratome, especially given its latest refinements offering greater precision and more better creation of ultra-thin corneal flaps. Due to the higher cost of IntraLase technology, eye surgeons must charge more for bladeless vision surgery.
Once IntraLase gained widespread popularity, IntraLase technology became known by a number of different names, including:
- IntraLase LASIK
- IntraLASIK
- The IntraLase Method
- And finally, iLASIK
IntraLase LASIK Advantages
Relieving a patient's anxiety is one of the most powerful reasons for IntraLase selection over mechanical bladed instrument use for creating the corneal flap in LASIK surgery. Beyond reducing a patient's apprehensions, IntraLase also offers the following improvements:
- Better visual outcomes – a higher percentage of patients achieve 20/20 vision with IntraLase LASIK
- More precision – eye surgeons can create more accurate flaps compared to microkeratome
- Better physical outcomes – flaps created with IntraLase adhere better to the underlying cornea than flaps created with traditional cuts
Possible Disadvantages of Bladeless LASIK
Eye surgeons have reported two postoperative complications in some patients. Those complications center upon the laser-created flaps. Reported complications include:
- Higher rate of light sensitivity – can be resolved within a few weeks with steroid treatment in the form of eye drops
- Visual distortion – some patients had reported seeing a "rainbow effect" around light sources. These outcomes may have been corrected for future patients with some recent adjustments to the way the laser-created flaps are now made
- Temporary eye redness – eye surgeons use a low vacuum suction ring to hold the eye in bladeless eye surgery, increasing chances of superficial bleeding on the white part of the eye
Eye redness or bleeding is not vision threatening and is only a cosmetic complication. The issue will resolve itself in a matter of weeks.
General Expectations Following IntraLase LASIK
Recoveries from IntraLase LASIK are quite similar to other LASIK surgeries. For up to two days, you may experience some eye irritation. Studies have shown that using IntraLase LASIK may decrease your chances of dry eye after LASIK.
Weighing the Cost of IntraLase Technology
A survey by the International Society of Refractive Surgery of the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that 40 percent of eye surgeons preferred creating LASIK flaps with the femtosecond laser to bladed microkeratome. However many eye surgeons still prefer to use microkeratome, especially given its latest refinements offering greater precision and more better creation of ultra-thin corneal flaps. Due to the higher cost of IntraLase technology, eye surgeons must charge more for bladeless vision surgery.