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LASIK
Eye Surgery Information to help the
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Traditional LASIK surgery uses a blade. This surgery requires
the surgeon use a microkeratome to cut the thin, hinged flap
common to LASIK surgeries. This instrument, the microkeratome,
may be considered a blade. Once the surgeon cuts a hinge of the
cornea, he or she can then lift this and apply a special laser
to correct vision problems.
After a surgeon lasers the cornea and reshapes the eye, the
surgeon will replace the flap to encourage fast and easy
healing.
Bladeless
Surgery
Newer technology has allowed surgeons to adopt newer
strategies. The IntraLase LASIK procedure involves use of a
femtosecond laser rather than a blade (or the microkeratome) to
cut a thin flap in the cornea for surgery. Sometimes patients
and doctor's alike refer to this as an "all laser" rather than a
bladeless procedure.
LASIK
Pros and Cons
There is much debate among eye surgeons about what form
of surgery is best for patients. Patients should learn all they
can about each procedure before deciding the best choice for
them. Many times a surgeon simply prefers one surgery to another
for personal reasons.
Traditional LASIK serves most patients who need minor vision
corrections well. Some surgeons prefer using the microkeratome
to create the corneal flap because they believe the procedure is
much quicker and a bit more comfortable for patients. Typically
a microkeratome will create a precise corneal flap in just a few
seconds. The IntraLase procedure requires a bit more time, but
still takes less than a minute. Still others believe there is
more risk of corneal flap problems associated with traditional
LASIK surgery, thus recommend a bladeless alternative for
patients.
IntraLase Pros and Cons
The bladeless procedure uses only lasers to correct vision. This
is an advantage for some but not others. Some surgeons suggest there
is less risk for complications including unattached or partial flaps
or improperly formed flaps when a laser is used to create the
corneal flap compared with the microkeratome.
There is less risk for the patients many believe even if the
procedure is not as swift as traditional LASIK (though the
difference in time is slight). One of the more common complications
with traditional LASIK surgery, the buttonhole flap, is almost
non-existent when a surgeon uses IntraLase. A buttonhole flap is a
corneal flap shaped like a buttonhole, an undesirable outcome.
How To Select The
Right Procedure
The use of IntraLase vs. traditional LASIK is largely a matter of
preference for many surgeons. Most surgeons agree the skill and
experience of the surgeon has as much to do with the outcome of
surgery as the actual tool used.
Modern microkeratomes can help create precise corneal flaps when
used correctly. The data suggesting there are more risks associated
with use of the microkeratome is controversial, with some data
suggesting more disadvantages for patients using the blade to create
a flap. Patients should know there are advantages and disadvantages
to each. For example, when using the IntraLase, a surgeon should
tell patients there is more risk for swelling resulting from the
extra laser energy used to create a flap.
What is important is you talk with your surgeon about the
advantages
and disadvantages of blade vs. bladeless procedures.
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Traditional LASIK IntraLase Bladeless LASIK |
IntraLase Bladeless LASIK |
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Many studies suggest the risks of each surgery are comparable,
and the outcomes for patient's receiving either blade or bladeless
surgery are similar. Again, a large part of the outcome depends on
the skill of the surgeon using the equipment and the patient's
individual medical history.
It is important again that you weigh the benefits and risks of
either surgery before deciding whether blade or bladeless laser
surgery is best for correcting your vision.
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