Bladeless LASIK: IntraLASIK Surface Treatment Technology

When laser surgery was introduced, the only surface technique available  was PRK. Surface cells were removed with gentle rubbing, and they gradually reformed over the course of several months. Potential concerns included irregular healing patterns and haze which could diminish visual acuity during and after recovery. As well, discomfort typically lasted 2 - 3 days and sufficient visual recovery to return to work could take 7 - 10 days.

LASIK was developed to address those concerns. By creating a flap that is gently lifted aside during reshaping, cells regrow only at the flap edges outside the centre of vision. Recovery is more predictable, rapid and comfortable than with PRK. Return to work typically is reduced to 3 - 4 days. However, conventional LASIK was performed with a gear-driven surgical blade, the microkeratome, which created concerns related to irregularities of the flap shape and underlying tissue with consequent concerns over how securely the flap sealed.

Today, both procedures continue to be performed with refinements. At Demong Associate Eyecentre in Calgary, Dr. Demong still performs PRK for specific corneal conditions. However, he no longer performs LASIK with a microkeratome. Since August, 2005, all LASIK procedures have been performed with the Bladeless LASIK technique using the IntraLase Femtosecond laser because of the higher level of safety and accuracy it delivers.

The INTRALASE FS-60 Femtosecond Laser

The IntraLase has been developed to improve the safety, precision and visual result of your LASIK procedure by replacing the conventional microkeratome with a computer-controlled laser solution. The IntraLase creates a flap customized to meet your needs, featuring:

• precise depth with +/- 10 microns variation: 2 - 3 x more accurate than the leading microkeratome can achieve  (1 micron = 1/1000 millimeter)
• uniform thickness, meaning the underlying tissues awaiting reshaping have the same proportions of the curvature as measured preoperatively
• uniform tissue bed for wavefront treatment, ensuring no new irregularities are created when the flap is made
• precise centration using a stabilization ring and computerized alignment
• beveled edge flap: surgeon-defined angle to match your unique corneal curvature which stabilizes the flap after reshaping is complete

What does this deliver?

• better safety: no risks of mechanical failure or surgical blade irregularity; greater flap stability throughout recovery
• better accuracy: greater control over the depth of the flap and smoothness of the surface below it
• better safety + better accuracy = better vision

The IntraLASIK Procedure

All Laser Eye Surgery is performed at Dr. Demong's private Calgary Laser Eye Centre, Rocky Mountain Laser Centre, located adjacent to our office.  After preparation by nurses, Dr. Demong uses anesthetic drops numb the surface of the eye before a stabilization ring is positioned to control movement during the procedure. The depth of the flap is then created, using thousands of tiny 2 - 3 micron-sized bubbles generated by the laser beam. The bubbles are aligned side by side at the prescribed depth until the entire flap bed has been defined, gently separating the layers of cells. Then the IntraLase creates the edges of the flap by vertically stacking more fine bubbles in a curve delineating the flap edge, leaving the hinge side untouched. Within a few seconds, the stabilization ring is lifted and the bed is swivelled back to the Allegretto Eye Q laser.  Dr. Demong passes a delicate instrument through the bubbles to finish separating the tissue and the flap is eased aside prior to transforming your vision with the Allegretto laser. Following treatment, the flap is gently eased back into place and adheres securely over the newly treated area.

To better visualize the Bladeless LASIK IntraLase procedure, we invite you to view the animation below:

Now compare that with conventional LASIK using a microkeratome:

You may also want to visit the manufacturer's site through these links: www.intralasefacts.com, www.intralasik.ca and www.lasikflapfacts.com