The Benefits of IntraLase LASIK
When patients come to GW Eye Associates, they can expect some of the best information on eye care services in the San Diego area. This includes advice and guidance with corrective lenses as well as comprehensive information on laser eye surgery and refractive procedures.
A number of patients have been asking us about the nature of IntraLase LASIK in recent years. Since not all patients are familiar with the technology and what it can achieve, let's go over IntraLase and benefits right now.
What is IntraLase LASIK?
IntraLase LASIK refers to the use of a special surgical laser to create the flap in the epithelium, which is the topmost part of a patient's cornea. The epithelial flap is made so LASIK surgeons can reshape the corneal contour, allowing light to pass through the eyes properly and focus on the retinas, which are the light-sensitive tissues at the back of the eye essential for good vision.
IntraLase is also known as blade-free LASIK and all-laser LASIK.
How does this differ from LASIK performed in the past?
In the past, the epithelial flap was created using a physical instrument called an microkeratome. While the microkeratome was sterilized properly when used, it did make physical contact with the eye, which meant the potential for infection and for issues with surgical errors while creating the flap. These occurrences were rare, though they were a potential risk.
With IntraLase LASIK, this is no longer an issue.
The Benefits of IntraLase LASIK
Some of the benefits of IntraLase LASIK include:
- Reduced physical contact with the eye
- Reduced risk of infection
- Reduced chance for human error
- Added accuracy when making the corneal flap
- Increased control when creating the flap
- Enhanced safety for the overall procedure
IntraLase is Crucial for iLASIK Surgery
iLASIK is one of the more recent innovations in modern LASIK surgery. iLASIK refers to all-laser, blade-free LASIK that also uses wavefront digital mapping technology to scan the patient's cornea. This digital mapping technology is able to identify minute imperfections of the corneal contour that could not be treated in the past.
Thanks to this wavefront technology, even the smallest corneal imperfections can be treated, meaning comprehensive correction of lower order aberrations (refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism) as well as higher order aberrations. In the past before wavefront technology, only lower order aberrations could be reliably treated. The LASIK surgeon uses this wavefront map to computer-guide the LASIK procedure for extreme, pinpoint accuracy.
Great Results, Added Safety, and Advanced Eye Care
As you might have noticed, IntraLase LASIK offers some of the best possible results in laser vision correction. The LASIK patient of today undergoes a far safer surgery and far more accurate and effective surgery than the LASIK patient of the past.
As LASIK technology continues to evolve, we can expect even safer and more effective surgeries for the eyes in the years ahead.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn More About IntraLase LASIK
To learn more about the most advanced LASIK technology that is available, be sure to contact our vision correction and eye care center today. The entire team at GW Eye Associates will help you make the best possible decisions with regard to your eye health and vision.
