Is a Bladeless LASIK Procedure Better Than a Traditional One?

Bladeless Lasik-High Tech Approach To Vision Correction

With the latest technology you may be able to avoid some complications and have a greater chance of obtaining normal, 20/20 vision. A bladeless, or Intralase, approach represents the next generation of very high tech tools used to perform the procedure.
LASIK stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis. It’s a popular surgery used to correct vision for those who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism. It works by reshaping the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, so that light traveling through it properly focuses onto the retina located in the back of the eye. During LASIK surgery, a corneal flap is lifted up and the cornea’s shape is changed to improve focus. The flap is then replaced and serves as a type of natural "bandage" for healing. Traditional LASIK uses a microkeratome blade to create the corneal flap. Intralase is different because the flap is created by using a computer assisted laser, not a manual blade. The laser operates extremely quickly so the tissue can be targeted and divided at the molecular level without heat or impact to surrounding tissue. This new method results in a corneal flap that’s created much more precisely than with the traditional microkeratome blade. After that’s done the standard laser used in most LASIK surgeries makes the needed changes in the cornea. Intralase patients can heal faster because the surgeon makes a more accurate, even flap that will fall back into place naturally. Though both bladeless and traditional LASIK eye surgery may cause complications, studies have shown bladeless LASIK surgery results in lower complication rates.
  • The use of metal blades can create uneven flap edges. This would cause abnormal corneal surfaces and vision problems including irregular astigmatism.
  • Study results have shown that bladeless LASIK may result in less chances of suffering from postoperative dry eye.
  • Fewer enhancement (or "touch-up") procedures appear to be needed when IntraLase is used.
Another improvement due to Intralase is those with very thin corneas would not be good candidates for traditional LASIK surgery but they may be able to have the surgery safely done if a blade isn’t used. You may or may not be a good candidate for either type of LASIK procedure. It’s most appropriate for those with a moderate degree of refractive error and no unusual vision problems. We ask all those seriously considering the procedure about your eye health as well as your general health. Certain medical conditions increase the risks of possible side effects or make the outcome less predictable. They include,
  • A disease or condition impairing your immune system such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, HIV and other autoimmune disorders.
  • Using an immunosuppressive medication.
  • Diabetes.
  • Depression or some chronic pain conditions, such as migraine, irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia.
To find out more about bladeless LASIK surgery and whether it’s right for you call us at 610-437-4988 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. Houman Ahdieh, MD Lehigh Valley Center for Sight https://www.lvcenter4sight.com eyedoc@lvcenter4sight.com

https://www.lvcenter4sight.com/is-a-bladeless-lasik-procedure-better-than-a-traditional-one/

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