IntraLase
LASIK Frequently Asked Questions
Is
IntraLase safe?
Yes.
IntraLase improves the safety, precision and visual results of
LASIK, whether you choose to have a standard or custom
procedure. This is a result of the superior precision provided
by the computer-guided IntraLase laser as compared with that of
a hand-held microkeratome, virtually eliminating the most severe
sight-threatening complications as a result.
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What
are the benefits of All-Laser LASIK?
Replacing the blade with a laser considerably enhances the
safety and accuracy of the procedure. Because the flap is
created with the precision of a cool beam laser, Doctors Sibley
and Shriver are able to sculpt the corneal tissue at the exact
depth required for the most accurate, precise result possible.
What does this mean for you? Increased safety and a more precise
treatment!
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Is
traditional LASIK with a microkeratome unsafe?
Although complications with LASIK surgery are rare, when they do
occur, they are often associated with the use of a hand-held
microkeratome blade. IntraLase makes LASIK even safer by
reducing the risk of complications reported with the
microkeratome. This has given many patients more confidence in
choosing laser vision correction.
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Is
IntraLase Safer?
Most
surgeons acknowledge that the main safety issues in laser vision
correction are related to the use of the mechanical device used
to create the corneal flap. Multiple studies which compare the
incidence of complications when using the IntraLase laser versus
the microkeratome device have shown a significant decrease in
the elements that adversely impact safety.
The
IntraLase laser provides a unique level of safety because of its
micron level precision. Clinical studies establishing the
precision and accuracy of the Intralse laser have led
researchers to proclaim the IntraLase technology as 100 times
more accurate in creating the flap (the first step of LASIK)
than the old, traditional approach with a surgical blade cutting
the eye.
The
precision was also documented in studies conducted for the FDA
clearance of the laser, where the accuracy of flap thickness was
demonstrated at +/-10 microns. Precise flap thickness is
critical to a successful LASIK outcome, and this degree of
accuracy is unprecedented in flap creations technology to date.
Finally, greater flap stability was also demonstrated with the
IntraLase laser in studies in the laser’s FDA submission. The
assurance that the flap will be securely repositioned without
incident provides adds peace of mind for many patients.
Several
clinical studies have reported a much tighter range and standard
deviation of the thickness of the flap created by the IntraLase
Laser when compared with mechanical microkeratomes, As Dr. Ming
Wang reported, this is very important when evaluating the risk
of extremely thin or extremely thick flaps which occur 1-2 times
per 100 cases with microkeratomes (102%) and only 1-2 times per
100 million cases with Intralase.
"Thickness Measurements of Corneal Flaps Created with the
IntraLase FS Laser" Authors: A. Chayet, MD, S. Litwak, MD
Abstract: This study evaluated the thickness accuracy and
predictability of corneal flaps created with the Intralse FS
laser by suing subtraction pachymetry on 20 eyes of 17 patients.
- Submitted: Archives of Ophthalmology, December 2002.
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Is
IntraLase more expensive?
Yes.
Most patients agree that the added level of safety, assurance
and predictably better vision offered by IntraLase is worth the
incremental cost. IntraLase doctors 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 leadership in
patient care.
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Why
should I pay for IntraLase when many people have had success
with traditional LASIK?
Traditional LASIK is a very good procedure and we have performed
thousands of cases with very impressive results. However, one of
the many reasons our doctors choose the IntraLase laser is to
avoid potential inaccuracies and safety issues in the
procedure. The laser provides greater control, and allows us to
preserve corneal tissue. This means a safer, more accurate LASIK
procedure for you.
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Can
there be complications with an IntraLase flap?
No
surgical procedure is completely without risk. However,
IntraLase reduces the chances of complications compared with
LASIK performed with a microkeratome. IntraLase delivers
micron-level accuracy 100% greater than a microkeratome for more
accurate and consistent flap thickness, factors critical for a
successful LASIK outcome.
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Is
the IntraLase Method more painful than a microkeratome?
No.
Most people don't feel pain during LASIK surgery. Your eyes are
first anesthetized with special drops. Some people do report a
sensation of pressure on the eyes while the IntraLase Method is
being performed.
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Are
post-surgery problems more common with IntraLase?
No. In
fact, IntraLase creates fewer higher and lower order
aberrations, frequently associated with glare and halos at
night. IntraLase patients have also reported a reduced incidence
of post-operative dry eye symptoms and required fewer
enhancement procedures following LASIK.
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Will I see better with the IntraLase Method?
That's
difficult to determine since each person's vision is unique.
However, more patients achieve 20/20 or better vision with
IntraLase-initiated LASIK.
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How
would you compare the visual outcomes using All-Laser LASIK with
those of traditional LASIK?
Our
doctors can now offer a new level of predictability to each
patient in all parts of the procedures: custom diagnosis (before
the procedure), custom flap (to start the procedure), and custom
treatment (to complete the procedure). We believe that Intralase
is the essential ingredient of this strategy to obtain your best
vision while maintaining the highest standards for safety and
patients care. You and your family deserve that.
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How
is Florida Eye Center able to offer IntraLase when others in the
area do not?
The
IntraLase laser has been cleared by the FDA and became available
in 2001. IntraLase all laser LASIK is the only system that
provides computer controlled precision. To date, approximately
1,000,000 (1 Million ! ) procedures have been completed with no
significant complications reported. Dr. Sibley and Shriver are
among an elite group of key opinion leaders in ophthalmology
who continually evaluate advanced technologies and adopt them
into practices soon after they are proven safe and become
available.
At The
Florida Eye Center our commitment is to providing exceptional
care. We believe that by replacing the surgical blade with a
safer, more advanced, more precise, less-invasive technology,
we are able to provide a higher standard of care for our
patients.
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How
is IntraLase different from traditional LASIK?
LASIK
is actually a 2-step process. First, a flap of corneal tissue
must be created and then folded back. The cornea is the
transparent dome-like structure that covers the iris and pupil
of your eye. By creating a flap in the cornea, the surgeon is
able to perform the laser vision correction treatment on the
inner layer of the cornea, which practically eliminates any
patient’s discomfort and allows for a rapid visual recovery.
Traditionally, the surgeon has created the corneal flap with a
hand-held mechanical device which utilizes a surgical blade.
This method has worked well over the years; however, the
performance of these devices can be unpredictable. And although
LASIK complications are rare, this mechanical device is
frequently the source for many of the reported complications.
With
the Intralase laser, the our surgeons use the precision of a
laser to create the corneal flap. The accuracy of the laser (100
times more accurate than a blade) is unparalleled by any other
technology in vision correction surgery. This advanced
technology allows the surgeon more control during the procedure,
and even allows customization of the corneal flap for every
individual patient. Because of this consistent accuracy,
Intralase now makes is possible to treat many patients who were
dismissed as candidates for laser vision correction due to thin
corneas.
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