IntraLASIK All Laser, No Blade LASIK

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INTRALASE FS (femtosecond) Laser and proprietary IntraLASIK software is a combination of technology that replaces the use of the mechanical, metal blade microkeratome traditionally used in LASIK surgery. The all-laser approach offers surgeons a computer-controlled, minimally invasive technique that safely and reliably creates very precise flaps with a more comfortable patient experience.

With this information, our surgeons customize your procedure and provide a vision correction solution as unique as your fingerprint. This technology helps surgeons minimize complications, such as night vision problems like halos and glare, that occur in a small percentage of cases. It is expanding the horizons of vision correction.

The Traditional Approach

The microkeratome, a mechanical device which holds a fine precision blade, is used to create a corneal flap. Originally designed in the 1950s by Professor. José I. Barraquér of Colombia, a variety of microkeratomes are now available, all relying upon the basic principles of Professor Barraquér’s original device.

Inside the All-Laser Technology

The INTRALASE™ FS Laser and IntraLASIK™ software enable surgeons to avoid the the use of the traditional microkeratome in formation of the flap. The INTRALASE FS Laser uses a long laser wavelength that can be focused to a very precise point within the cornea, leaving the surface and surrounding tissues untouched.

The INTRALASE FS Laser uses infrared light to precisely cut tissue by a process called photo disruption. The laser’s IntraLASIK software directs the process, focusing the beam via optics into a tiny 2 to 3 micron spot of energy. The beam passes harmlessly through the outer layers of the cornea until it reaches its exact focal point within the stroma (central layer of the cornea). When it reaches this focal point, the beam forms a microscopic cavitation bubble of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Thousands of these bubbles are placed at a precisely controlled depth to create a dissection plane, and then the laser beam stacks a pattern of bubbles along the periphery of the plane up to the corneal surface. An uncut section of tissue is preprogrammed to act as a hinge for the newly created corneal flap. By utilizing this rapidly fired femtosecond laser, and interconnecting the bubbles very tightly, the surgeon may program the laser to customize a corneal flap with remarkable precision and a distinctive beveled edge. The beveled edge of the corneal flap allows for a precise realignment and seating of the flap after interior corneal reshaping is completed.

Because the low energy pulse from the INTRALASE FS Laser is in the femtosecond range - a mere quadrillionth of a second - there is no heat damage to surrounding tissue. With no transmission of shock wave to surrounding tissue, the femtosecond laser is well suited for delicate corneal surgery.

The computer-controlled INTRALASE FS Laser and it’s IntraLASIK software bring a level of accuracy, precision, and control to flap creation that was previously impossible. With the INTRALASE FS Laser, flaps can be made that are very accurate and highly consistent in both thickness and diameter. The IntraLASIK software allows the surgeon to custom design precise corneal resection for individual patients.