What is Blade-free LASIK?

Blade-free LASIK is an all laser approach to correcting your vision. This procedure is unique because the surgeon uses a laser to create your corneal flap, a thin layer of tissue that is folded back before treating the cornea.
Traditionally, surgeons have used a bladed instrument called a microkeratome to create corneal flaps. Now, with Blade-free LASIK, a computer-guided laser is used during the first step of LASIK to create a micro-thin corneal flap. The flap is lifted to expose the inner cornea which is treated with a second laser to correct your vision. It eliminates the hand-held microkeratome, giving you a truly “all laser” procedure.

ADVANTAGES OF BLADE-FREE LASIK

Greater comfort
more than 3,000,000 procedures have been performed comfortably and effectively with Blade-free LASIK using IntraLase technology.

Better Vision
In clinical trials, more patients achieved 20/20 vision or better with Blade-free LASIK than with other LASIK techniques. Patients reported better quality vision overall, especially with low light or night vision.

Customized Procedure
The Blade-free LASIK procedure allows your surgeon to tailor the dimensions of your corneal flap to your particular eye. Individualized corneal flaps contribute to excellent post-operative outcomes.

Patient Preferred – Laser vs Blade
In a clinical survey of LASIK patients who had the corneal created with the IntraLase in one eye and the microkeratome in the other, the vision in the Blade-free treated eye was preferred 3-to-1 (among those who stated a preference).

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Blade-free LASIK involves the use of two different lasers. The surgeon uses a highly sophisticated technology called the IntraLase, which includes tiny, rapid pulses of cool laser light, to help prepare the eye for the other laser procedure, laser vision correction (LASIK).

As the laser moves back and forth across your eye, a uniform layer of tiny microscopic bubbles from just below the corneal surface at a specific depth and position determined by the surgeon.

The corneal flap is created by gently separating the tissue where these bubbles have formed. The flap is folded back so the surgeon can correct your vision by reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser. Once the procedure is completed, the corneal flap is positioned back in place.

As with all elective procedures, you should ask your physician for a complete list of the risks and complications associated with LASIK and Blade-free LASIK.

IS BLADE-FREE LASIK THE RIGHT PROCEDURE FOR ME?

Your pre-procedure consultation with your doctor will determine your candidacy for the procedure, help establish expectations and, as a candidate, indicate the range of your probable outcomes based on your prescription and healing profile.

Whether you have conventional or CUSTOM LASIK, the Blade-free procedure is performed in the same manner. Your doctor can recommend your best option and determine if you would benefit from the higher level of customization that Blade-free LASIK can provide.

As with all elective procedures, you should ask your physician for a complete list of the risks & complications associated with LASIK and Blade-Free LASIK.

References:
1. Tanzer D.J. Schalhorn SC, Brown MC, et al. Data on file, IntraLase Corp., 2005
2. Durrie D.S. Data on file, IntraLase Corp., 2005