The latest technological advances in vision correction can make wearing glasses and contacts a thing of the past, and if you’re considering a LASIK procedure to restore your eyesight to the best clarity possible, you have multiple options from which to choose. However, determining whether traditional LASIK or Intralase LASIK (IntraLASIK) is right for your unique needs and lifestyle requires a great deal of research and an in-depth conversation with your ophthalmologist. Dr. Steven Dell, our experienced eye surgeon, believes education can make this process much simpler. The first step in making a choice between all-laser Intralase and traditional LASIK is understanding the benefits and risks of each type of treatment.
The major difference between these two popular types of vision correction is that one method uses a metal blade, also called a microkeratome, and the other uses a special laser, called a femtosecond laser, to create a corneal flap during surgery. Traditional LASIK surgery uses the blade and Intralase LASIK uses the laser. Ideally, the flap should be as thin as possible to reduce the risk of certain complications, such as scarring, corneal tears, infection, and the development of an uneven corneal surface, which can potentially disrupt vision (though often only temporarily). In many cases, the all-laser IntraLASIK can create a thinner, more even and defined corneal flap. If you have thin corneas naturally or have previously had corneal surgery, you may be a candidate for Intralase LASIK even if you’re not qualified for traditional LASIK.
There are several other factors that may help you determine if IntraLASIK or traditional LASIK will be better for your desired outcome. For more information about LASIK surgery, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dell, please contact us today.
