The IntraLase Laser

IntraLase Laser: Safer LASIK Alternative

The method used by IntraLase lasers to create cornea flaps is claimed to enhance the safety of LASIK vision correction. InterLase uses laser energy to replace the microkeratome blade traditionally used to create a thin flap in the clear front covering of the eye (cornea).

IntraLase vs Traditional LASIK

During LASIK surgery, the corneal flap is lifted and the cornea is reshaped to achieve sharper focus. The flap is then replaced to serve as a type of naturally protective "bandage" for healing.

Traditional LASIK uses an microkeratome blade to create the corneal flap. While LASIK complications are relatively rare, they are sometimes associated with the oscillating blade used with traditional microkeratomes. These metal blades might create uneven flap edges, resulting in abnormal corneal surfaces and vision defects such as irregular astigmatism.

IntraLase creates flaps through infrared laser energy that inserts a precise pattern of tiny, overlapping bubbles just below the corneal surface. The IntraLase laser operates at extremely high speeds (pulses of one quadrillionth of a second), allowing tissue to be targeted and divided at a molecular level without heat or impact to surrounding tissue. The InterLase laser results in a corneal flap created at a precise depth and diameter pre-determined by the LASIK surgeon.

IntraLase Laser Procedure Times

The time needed (up to a minute) for the suction ring to remain on the eye for the laser flap to be completed with the IntraLase is longer than the microkeratome and may slightly increase chances of bleeding (hemorrhage). This type of temporary eye bleeding is not vision-threatening, and it resolves on its own.

IntraLase Reduces LASIK Complications

Studies have shown that IntraLase results in fewer overall LASIK complication rates. This difference in flap structure may reduce the chance of cells growing underneath and pushing up the flap (epithelial ingrowth) to create an irregular corneal surface with accompanying vision defects. Nevertheless, eye surgeons recently have reported one postoperative complication using IntraLase of unusual light sensitivity such as photophobia that appears unique to the use of the IntraLase in LASIK.

However, surgeons report that the photophobia complication is temporary and can be resolved with steroid treatment (eye drops) lasting only a few weeks. LASIK surgeons favoring IntraLase emphasize that light sensitivity is a temporary side effect that soon resolves.

Study results have shown that LASIK with IntraLase may produce a lower incidence of post-operative dry eye. Fewer enhancement ("touch-up") procedures appear to be required when LASIK is performed with IntraLase.

IntraLase LASIK Costs

However, the tradeoff for potentially increased safety with the use of IntraLase is accompanying additional LASIK procedure costs of about $400 per eye, according to Review of Ophthalmology.

IntraLase Creates New LASIK Candidates

With IntraLase, people with thin corneas who once were unsuitable for LASIK may now be candidates due its precision, and its ability to consistently producing corneal flaps thin enough to treat those patients who were previously not candidates.