While the vast majority of individuals who have had LASIK eye surgery performed in the past had positive results, there were also some issues, especially with the cornea flaps. These issues stemmed from the limitations that came from cutting the cornea flap with a manual knife. In fact, there were many individuals who would have loved to have had LASIK performed, but could not because they had corneas that were just too thin. They were forced to wear glasses or use contacts. Now, for many individuals, LASIK may once again be an option. This is thanks to bladeless, all-laser LASIK via IntraLase.
IntraLase offers a LASIK eye surgery that is completely performed by lasers. No blades are used, even when it comes to making the cornea flap. All of this is done by a precise, computer-controlled laser.
During the LASIK procedure, whether it is done with a blade or if it is done with a laser, the corneal flap is lifted and then the cornea is reshaped to give you improved vision. When this is done, the flap is put back over your eye, allowing for the healing process to begin.
When the procedure is performed using a traditional blade, the blade might create uneven flaps. This leaves you with an abnormal cornea surface, which negatively affects your vision. Some people went in for traditional LASIK surgery only to walk out with an irregular astigmatism.
Bladeless, all-laser LASIK minimizes the risk of this happening. Since the flap in the cornea is created using infrared laser energy, the pattern of the opening is extremely precise. During this procedure, the laser is operating at unbelievably fast speeds. The pulses that it produces last one quadrillionth of a second. For this reason, the tissue is targeted and cut at the molecular level without doing any damage to the rest of the eye. As a result of this speed and precision, once the corneal flap is returned to its original position, the results are more natural and more seamless than what is seen when a blade is used.
Multiple studies have shown that when IntraLase LASIK is used, the number of complications a patient can experience drops drastically. For example, there is a minimized chance that cells may grow underneath the corneal flap, causing the flap to push up. Other issues that are common with traditional LASIK, such as dry eye, drastically diminish when the IntraLase procedure is used.
During a consultation at Wichita Vision Institute in Wichita, Dr. Patel can examine your eyes and help you see if all-laser LASIK is the right option for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office!