 Get the Facts on the 100% blade-free IntraLase Method™  To view an informational IntraLASIK video, click here 
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LASIK is the most popular and frequently performed refractive procedure in the world for the correction of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. LASIK does not correct presbyopia but some patients can be corrected using monovision. (See definitions below.)
Traditional LASIK is a two-stage process. First a device called a microkeratome is placed on the eye. This device uses a blade to cut a thin flap of corneal tissue. Second, the surgeon lifts the flap and then an excimer laser is used to shape the cornea to eliminate or reduce the patient's glasses prescription.
With IntraLASIK, the first step of the process has been completely revolutionized. Instead of using a blade to cut a flap, the IntraLase Femtosecond Laser is used to create the corneal flap. The second part of the procedure with the excimer laser is unchanged.
Although the quality of corneal flaps created with the microkeratome blade is usually very good, one of the most common complications of traditional LASIK surgery is a corneal flap complication. With the microkeratome blade it is possible to create a flap that is
- too thin and develops a hole in the center ("buttonhole flap"), a partial flap that requires extended healing;
- a "free flap" where there is no hinge to keep the flap attached;
- a wrinkled flap;
- an irregular flap;
- and many other more minor yet visually significant problems.
With IntraLASIK, essentially all microkeratome complications are eliminated. The computer guided laser that creates the flap is significantly more accurate and allows the surgeon complete flexibility on how to create the best corneal flap for your eye.
Because the IntraLase laser is so accurate, corneal flaps can safely be made thinner than those made with a microkeratome blade. Because of this, IntraLASIK is able to correct a wider range of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism than traditional LASIK because less cornea tissue is disturbed during surgery. This also reduces the risk of ectasia and other thin cornea complications. In addition, IntraLASIK corneal flaps have the same thickness all the way across reducing the risk of inducing irregular astigmatism. Induced irregular astigmatism secondary to a poor corneal flap is a possible complication of traditional LASIK with a blade. For more information on the IntraLase Laser and blade-free IntraLASIK click on this link to IntraLase's web site, www.intralase.com.