Blade-Free IntraLase™

The IntraLase Method is a 100% blade-free approach to corneal flap creation— the critical first step in the LASIK procedure.  The creation of the corneal flap prepares the eye for the second step of the LASIK procedure, when another—different—laser, known as an excimer laser, is used to correct vision.

Key Facts About the IntraLase™ Method:

  • Over a million IntraLase procedures have been performed safely and effectively.
  • More patients experience 20/20 vision and beyond with the IntraLase Method than with a microkeratome.
  • IntraLase improves the precision and visual results of LASIK, whether you choose to have a standard or custom procedure.
  • IntraLase delivers micron-level accuracy, giving your doctor more control during the procedure and the ability to tailor the size, shape, and depth of the corneal flap for each individual patient and each individual eye—factors that contribute to a successful LASIK outcome.
  • More patients (81%), when given a choice, chose the IntraLase Method over a microkeratome blade.
  • The IntraLase Method takes approximately 15–30 seconds per eye and a total of 10 minutes for the entire LASIK procedure.
  • IntraLase provides the most sophisticated and accurate technology for corneal flap creation available today.

The IntraLase™ Method Creates the Corneal Flap With Tiny, Rapid Pulses of Laser Light

As the IntraLase FS laser moves back and forth across your eye, a uniform layer of bubbles forms just below the corneal surface at a specific depth and position within your eye that is determined by the doctor.   The flap is created by gently separating the tissue where these bubbles have formed.  The corneal flap is then folded back so the doctor can perform the second step of your LASIK treatment.   Once the procedure is completed, the corneal flap “locks” back into position.

Flap Creation in Seconds

Your corneal flap can be made quickly—only about 15–30 seconds per eye.  The entire LASIK procedure takes about 10 minutes, including preparation time.

The Blade-Free Difference

  1. IntraLase Differs From Epi-LASIK and Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK)
    • Epi-LASIK uses an epikeratome—a blunt separator—to make a superficial flap.
    • PRK is performed by gently scraping the surface layer of the cornea.
    • Both procedures can be painful, can require the use of more medication to make you comfortable after the procedure, and can take longer to heal than procedures performed with the IntraLase Method.
  2. IntraLase Differs From a Microkeratome
    • The microkeratome is a hand-held instrument containing a steel blade that cuts a flap as it moves along the surface of the cornea.

The Blade-Free Benefits of the IntraLase Method

  1. Greater safety:
    • Over a million procedures have been performed safely and effectively using the IntraLase Method.
  2. Better vision:
    • In clinical trials, more patients achieved 20/20 or better vision when their LASIK procedure was performed with the IntraLase Method than with other techniques.
    • Patients reported better quality of vision overall, particularly in terms of their ability to see well in low light, such as at dusk or at night.
  3. Ability to tailor the procedure to your eye:
    • The IntraLase Method gives your doctor the ability to tailor the dimensions of your corneal flap based on what’s best for your eye.
    • Individualized corneal flaps contribute to excellent postoperative outcomes.
  4. Patient-preferred:
    • The vision in the IntraLase-treated eye was preferred 3-to-1 (among those who stated a preference).

Preparing for Your 100% Blade-Free LASIK Experience

  1. One or two weeks before your procedure:
    • Arrange transportation for the day of your procedure and for the postoperative visit. It will not be safe for you to drive yourself.
    • Do not plan on driving for approximately 3 days after the surgery.
    • Plan on being out of work for about 1 to 2 days following the procedure.
    • Please advise us of any medications you are taking.
  2. On the day of your procedure:
    • Wear comfortable clothing.
    • Remove all facial makeup (lipstick, facial creams, eye makeup).
    • Arrive at the office about 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment and plan on staying about 2 hours after the procedure.
  3. After your procedure:
    • Please come back to the office for all follow-up appointments.
    • Use all medications as directed by your doctor.
    • Protect your eyes from sunlight for approximately 7 days after the procedure.

Call our office with any questions or concerns at any point leading up to and in the days following procedure.