| IntraLase
FAQs
Why
does LASIK require two steps?
What
is IntraLase®-initiated LASIK?
How
does the corneal flap affect visual outcomes?
Is
this the same as the Customized procedure I have heard so much about?
Is
traditional LASIK unsafe?
How
do the visual outcomes of IntraLase-initiated LASIK compare to traditional
blade-initiated LASIK?
Are
the IntraLase laser benefits only achievable with Custom procedures?
What
about side effects such as transient light sensitivity and inflammation?
I
have seen several advertisements for “All-Laser LASIK.”
Is this IntraLase?
Is
IntraLase more expensive?
Why does LASIK require two steps?
When laser vision correction was performed without the corneal flap,
as in PRK (photorefractive keratotomy), patients experienced considerable
discomfort and a delay in visual acuity. So in LASIK, the surgeon
first creates a micro-thin flap of corneal tissue and folds it back
to prepare the eye for the second step, where an excimer laser is
used on the inner cornea to correct vision. This two-step process
allows for rapid visual recovery with little or no patient discomfort,
and is credited with the popularity and growth of the procedure worldwide.
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What is IntraLase®-initiated LASIK?
IntraLase-initiated LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis)
uses the IntraLase FS laser to complete the first step of the LASIK
procedure. It is the first advancement to make LASIK an all-laser
procedure.
Noted for improving the safety and predictably of LASIK
by replacing the hand-held oscillating microkeratome blade historically
used in the first step, the IntraLase laser has also been proven to
provide for better than 20/20 visual outcomes, even among Custom/Wavefront
patients. Today, the IntraLase laser is the technology of choice among
the nation’s leading LASIK surgeons and ophthalmic teaching
institutions.
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How does the corneal flap affect visual outcomes?
New science reveals that the corneal flap has been widely underestimated
for its affect on the visual outcome of LASIK. If the corneal surface
is left with microscopic high and low spots, the precision of the
excimer tissue ablation (step two) can be compromised. Eliminating
even minute inaccuracies on the corneal surface improves the visual
outcome of the procedure.
Surgeons have found statistically and clinically significant
differences in the vision patients achieve when the IntraLase laser
is used for corneal flap creation. The IntraLase FS laser goes beyond
simply creating a safer, planar flap to preparing an optimal corneal
architecture below the flap, providing for superior visual outcomes,
even among Custom/Wavefront patients. The end result: fewer complications
and better vision.
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Is this the same as the Customized procedure
I have heard so much about?
Custom LASIK generally refers to individualized visual diagnosis with
technology called “wavefront,” which allows for customized,
personalized treatment with the excimer laser. However, many LASIK
surgeons combine Custom treatments and IntraLase.
In fact, new data reveals that the IntraLase laser helps Custom LASIK
deliver on its promise of better visual outcomes beyond 20/20 to 20/15
and 20/12.5.
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Is traditional LASIK unsafe?
No. While traditional LASIK is a successful and relatively safe procedure,
the IntraLase laser makes it safer by virtually eliminating the severe,
sight-threatening complications of the microkeratome. IntraLase-initiated
LASIK is not only 100 times more accurate, but it also provides patients
with superior visual outcomes. These facts are giving thousands of
patients each month the confidence to proceed with laser vision correction.
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How do the visual outcomes of IntraLase-initiated
LASIK compare to traditional blade-initiated LASIK?
Clinical studies confirm that patients achieve better vision with
IntraLase-initiated LASIK. Data shows:
- More patients achieve 20/20 or better vision with IntraLase-initiated
LASIK.
- Patients stating a preference preferred the post-operative vision
of their IntraLase-treated eye
3-to-1 over their blade-treated eye.
- IntraLase creates fewer high- and low-order aberrations, associated
with night glare and halos.
- IntraLase patients have a reduced incidence of post-operative
dry eye symptoms.
- IntraLase patients required fewer enhancement procedures following
LASIK.
- The precision of the IntraLase flap significantly reduces the
incidence of post-operative induced astigmatism as compared to a
microkeratome-created flap.
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Are the IntraLase laser benefits only achievable
with Custom procedures?
No. IntraLase-initiated LASIK improves the safety, precision and visual
results of LASIK, whether you choose a standard or custom procedure.
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What about side effects such as transient light
sensitivity and inflammation?
On rare occasions, some patients have reported transient light sensitivity
(photophobia) following IntraLase-initiated LASIK due to a temporary
inflammatory response. These side effects, while a nuisance, do not
affect visual acuity and resolve with steroid eye drops.
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I have seen several advertisements for “All-Laser
LASIK.” Is this IntraLase?
Maybe. Contrary to popular belief, LASIK is not an “all-laser”
procedure, due to the use of the microkeratome blade. The IntraLase
laser is the only laser technology available today for use in the
first step of the LASIK procedure and only LASIK procedures that use
the IntraLase laser can be considered “all-laser.”
Your doctor can explain the difference between other
procedures that may be advertised as “all laser,” such
as LASEK, PRK or epi-LASIK – all of which are surface ablation
procedures. Because they are performed without creating a corneal
flap, these procedures generally require longer healing time and frequently
involve more discomfort and a delay in visual recovery.
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Is IntraLase more expensive?
Yes. Most patients agree that the added level of safety and better
vision offered by IntraLase is worth the incremental cost. IntraLase
surgeons are leaders in the field of ophthalmology who continually
evaluate advances in technology. They’ve determined that the
IntraLase is the most sophisticated and accurate system available
today for flap creation and have invested in the technology to sustain
their superiority in patient care.
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