Did you know the IntraLase femtosecond laser was approved by the FDA in 2001? This technology has changed the game in laser eye surgery. It offers a safer, more precise option than traditional LASIK. The IntraLase uses a fast femtosecond laser to make the corneal flap, the first LASIK step, with great accuracy.
IntraLase, or “all-laser LASIK,” makes LASIK safer and better for vision. A study with 240 people showed 138 got IntraLase. An amazing 68% of them could see 20/20 without glasses or contacts three months later.
Key Takeaways
- IntraLase is a cutting-edge laser technology used in the first step of LASIK eye surgery
- It uses a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap, rather than a traditional microkeratome blade
- IntraLase has been shown to improve the safety and visual outcomes of LASIK procedures
- The IntraLase device was approved by the FDA in 2001 and has since become a popular choice for many patients
- IntraLase is often completed within minutes and designed to be a painless experience
Understanding IntraLase and All-Laser LASIK
LASIK technology has changed a lot, making it more precise and safe. Before, LASIK used a small blade to make a flap on the cornea. This flap let the excimer laser reshape the cornea. But, the IntraLase femtosecond laser, approved in 2001, was a big step forward.
The Evolution of LASIK Technology
The IntraLase device uses a fast laser to make the corneal flap. It does this by making tiny gas bubbles in the cornea. This method, called all-laser LASIK, is more precise than the old way. It leads to better results for patients.
How IntraLase Femtosecond Laser Works
The IntraLase laser targets the cornea at a tiny level, making a flap with great precision. This technology brings many benefits, including:
- More safety and predictability in flap creation
- Less chance of flap problems compared to the old method
- Better vision and less dry eye for many people
The IntraLase laser makes a flap that fits each eye perfectly. This has changed laser vision correction a lot.
“IntraLase delivers micron-level accuracy more than 100 times greater than a microkeratome.”
Advantages of IntraLase Over Traditional LASIK
The IntraLase femtosecond laser has many benefits over traditional LASIK. It greatly reduces the risk of serious eye problems. IntraLase makes the corneal flap with incredible precision. This leads to more consistent and reliable flap thickness.
Increased Safety and Precision
Research shows that IntraLase LASIK patients often see better. More of them reach 20/20 vision without glasses or contacts. This is thanks to the IntraLase procedure’s high safety and precision, making the corneal flap quality better.
Better Visual Outcomes
Also, IntraLase technology might mean fewer follow-up surgeries are needed. This is because the laser can make the right corneal flaps consistently. This makes LASIK possible for more people, even those with thin corneas.
“IntraLase LASIK is considered the premium type of LASIK due to lower risk and complications compared to other types of LASIK.”
The IntraLase Procedure Step-by-Step
The IntraLase LASIK procedure is a cutting-edge, all-laser method for correcting vision. It differs from traditional LASIK, which uses a blade. The IntraLase method uses a precise femtosecond laser. This laser-based technique is safer and offers better results.
The IntraLase procedure starts with numbing eye drops and a device to keep the eyelids open. The IntraLase femtosecond laser creates the corneal flap by making tiny gas bubbles. This process takes about 45 seconds.
- Eye numbing drops are applied, and a device holds the eyelids open.
- The IntraLase femtosecond laser generates microscopic gas bubbles to create the corneal flap, a process taking around 45 seconds.
- The surgeon carefully lifts the flap, providing access for the excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue.
- Once the laser treatment is complete, the flap is meticulously repositioned to its original location, where it will heal back into place.
- Patients are required to rest for about an hour after the intralase procedure before being able to go home.
| Key Steps in the IntraLase LASIK Procedure | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Corneal flap creation using IntraLase femtosecond laser | Approximately 45 seconds |
| Reshaping the corneal tissue using excimer laser | Varies based on prescription |
| Flap repositioning and healing | Around 1 hour |
The lasik procedure steps with IntraLase are more customised and precise. This leads to safer and better vision correction for patients.
“The corneal flap created with the IntraLase method ‘locks’ back into place, ensuring safer and faster healing.”
What is intralase?
IntraLase is a new laser technology that has changed LASIK eye surgery. It uses a fast laser instead of a traditional blade. This makes the corneal flap with great precision and accuracy.
Definition and Key Features
IntraLase is a femtosecond laser that controls the corneal flap with high precision. It’s a bladeless “inside-out” method that lowers the risk of problems. Key features include:
- Micron-level precision in controlling the flap thickness
- Customised flap parameters tailored to individual patient needs
- Reduced risk of complications due to the bladeless, “inside-out” approach
Many patients choose IntraLase for laser vision correction. It’s a more advanced and precise option than traditional LASIK.
IntraLase is a well-known femtosecond laser that has greatly improved Laser Eye Surgery success worldwide. Before IntraLase, LASIK used a microkeratome with an oscillating blade.
IntraLase and other femtosecond lasers have changed LASIK. They create a bubble in the corneal tissue for a precise flap.
Is IntraLase Right for You?
IntraLase laser vision correction might be perfect for those wanting clearer vision. But, there are important things to think about before deciding if it’s right for you.
People with thin corneas or who’ve had eye surgery before often do well with IntraLase. This laser is very precise, making treatments more effective than traditional LASIK.
However, if you’re under 18, have unstable vision, eye diseases, or chronic illnesses, IntraLase might not be for you. Your eye doctor will check if you’re a good fit and suggest the best surgery for you.
IntraLase is very safe, with over 99.5% of LASIK surgeries being successful worldwide. It also makes treatments faster, more comfortable, and recovery quicker. This makes it a great option for many looking to improve their vision.
“IntraLase surgery leads to better outcomes, faster recovery, and fewer complications according to patient feedback.”
To see if IntraLase is right for you, talk to your eye care specialist. They’ll check your eye health, vision stability, and any health issues. With their help, you can decide if IntraLase meets your vision needs.
Comparing IntraLase to Microkeratome
In LASIK eye surgery, the main difference is how the corneal flap is made. Microkeratomes use a blade, while IntraLase uses laser pulses. This laser method creates the flap without touching the outer cornea.
Using IntraLase reduces the risk of serious problems like button-hole flaps. It also makes the flap thickness more predictable. This is better than microkeratomes, which can’t customise as well.
| Metric | IntraLase | Microkeratome |
|---|---|---|
| Flap Thickness Predictability | More predictable | Less predictable |
| Flap Customisation | More customisable | Less customisable |
| Complications | Lower risk of button-hole flaps, thin flaps, or complete flap loss | Higher risk of button-hole flaps, thin flaps, or complete flap loss |
Research shows IntraLase doesn’t offer big safety or effectiveness gains over microkeratomes. But, it’s better at making the flap thickness consistent. The IntraLase method also takes longer and costs more.
Both IntraLase and microkeratome LASIK are safe and work well. The choice depends on the patient’s needs and the surgeon’s skills.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
IntraLase LASIK is very safe, but there are risks and side effects. These include dry eyes, double vision, and glare around lights. You might also see under- or over-correction, astigmatism, or rare infections.
Eye bruising or redness happens in about 1% of cases. Surface irregularities are very rare with this technique.
Managing Expectations
It’s key to have realistic expectations and follow your surgeon’s care instructions. This helps avoid complications and gets the best results. For example, flap problems are rare, and vision distortion is seen in 2 to 3 out of 100 cases.
Post-surgery infections are rare, and Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis is even less common. Most issues get better within six months after surgery.
Flap problems can happen if you rub or bump your eyes. Keratoconus affects 1 in 2,000 people, and enhancements are needed in 10 to 25% of cases.
Dry eyes after LASIK can be treated. Night glare or halos are common, especially if you had them before. Though rare, vision loss is a risk, but it has never happened at Moretsky Cassidy LASIK Vision.
“The Intralase technology has a success rate of allowing more patients to achieve 20/20 vision on the day of the surgery itself. Intralase also reduces the incidence of dry eye syndrome compared to traditional LASIK surgery.”
The side effects of Intralase are usually short-term and go away in a month or two. With eyedrops and professional advice, patients face fewer issues like dry eye, hazy vision, and light sensitivity.
Cost and Availability of IntraLase
IntraLase LASIK in the UK costs about the same as traditional LASIK, from £2,000 to £3,000 per eye. With more surgeons trained, the price has dropped. This makes it easier for people to get the treatment.
IntraLase technology is used in LASIK’s first step. It’s found in many top clinics across the UK. Talking to your eye doctor can help you find out the costs and how to pay in your area.
| Clinic | Location | IntraLase LASIK Cost | User Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centre For Sight | East Grinstead | £4,000 – £6,000 (both eyes) | Service Score: 7.3 from 60 users, 4.8 from 3 verified reviews |
| Freedom Vision | Manchester | £2,050 – £2,550 | Emphasis on trust in surgeon and clinical team, advanced technology |
| Eye Clinic London | London | £2,050 – £2,550 | Service Score: 6.6 from 20 users |
| Optical Express | Birmingham | From £1,495 | Top provider of laser eye surgery in the UK, offers iDesign iLASIK |
| Optimax | Leeds | From £1,495 | Established in 1991, offers various LASIK treatment types |
Since 1999, over 20 million people worldwide have had laser vision correction. Every year, more than 700,000 choose laser surgery, like IntraLase LASIK, to fix vision problems.
If you’re thinking about IntraLase LASIK, look up local clinics. Read what others say and talk to your eye doctor. They can help you understand the costs and what’s available in your area.
Conclusion
IntraLase is a big step forward in LASIK technology. It gives patients in the UK better safety, precision, and vision. This is thanks to a special ultrafast laser that makes the corneal flap.
This laser method cuts down the risk of serious problems that blades can cause. Studies show IntraLase patients often see better, with many reaching 20/20 vision without glasses.
The cost of IntraLase LASIK is about the same as traditional LASIK. But, its benefits make it a top choice for many. As it keeps improving, IntraLase will be key in eye care, helping with many eye issues.
In summary, IntraLase is a big leap in LASIK tech. It offers better safety, precision, and vision for UK patients. Its growing popularity shows it’s a great choice for those looking to reduce their need for glasses or contacts.
FAQ
What is IntraLase?
IntraLase is a modern laser technology used in LASIK eye surgery. It’s different from traditional LASIK, which uses a blade. IntraLase creates the corneal flap with a laser, making it very precise.
How does the IntraLase femtosecond laser work?
The IntraLase laser works by creating a flap inside the cornea. It uses laser pulses to do this, without touching the outer surface. This method is safer than using a blade.
What are the advantages of IntraLase over traditional LASIK?
IntraLase is more precise and safer. It reduces the risk of serious problems. More people can see 20/20 without glasses or contacts.
What happens during the IntraLase LASIK procedure?
First, you get numbing drops and a device to keep your eyelids open. Then, the IntraLase laser creates the flap in about 45 seconds. After that, the flap is lifted for the excimer laser to reshape the cornea.
Who is a good candidate for IntraLase LASIK?
People with thin corneas or past eye surgeries might benefit from IntraLase. But, those under 18, with unstable prescriptions, or certain health issues might not be good candidates.
How does IntraLase compare to traditional LASIK?
IntraLase uses a laser to create the flap, unlike traditional LASIK which uses a blade. This laser method is safer and more precise.
What are the potential risks and side effects of IntraLase LASIK?
Risks include dry eyes, double vision, and glare. There’s also a chance of under- or over-correction. In rare cases, there might be infection or inflammation. Most issues get better within six months.
How much does IntraLase LASIK cost?
IntraLase LASIK costs about the same as traditional LASIK, between £2,000 and £3,000 per eye. As more surgeons learn to use IntraLase, prices have dropped.
