Intralase Custom LASIK

What is IntraLase Custom LASIK?

IntraLase Custom LASIK technology provides a highly individualised, accurate, and blade-free approach to the critical first step of the LASIK procedure – the creation of the corneal flap.

What is LASIK?

LASIK (Laser In-situ Keratomileusis) laser vision correction is a procedure that can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts. It is commonly used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (blurred vision caused by an irregularly-shaped cornea).

LASIK is actually a painless two-step process, all completed within 20 minutes. In the first step, surgeons must first create a “corneal flap” by creating a thin layer of tissue in the front of the cornea (the clear tissue in the front of your eye that helps focus light to create images on the retina). Surgeons then fold this flap back to expose the part of the cornea that must be reshaped to correct vision. In the second step, precise and controlled removal of corneal tissue by a special laser reshapes the cornea, changing its focusing power and clearing vision.

How does IntraLase change traditional LASIK surgery?

Traditionally (now outdated), the first step of LASIK was performed with a hand-held oscillating metal blade used to create the corneal flap.

With modern IntraLase Custom LASIK, the surgeon uses a precise computer-guided laser instead to create the corneal flap. The IntraLase laser gives the surgeon more control during the critical first step of the LASIK procedure and the ability to establish precise dimensions and thickness of the corneal flap, factors which are critical to a successful LASIK outcome.

IntraLase Custom LASIK allows surgeons to tailor the corneal flap for each individual patient, and each individual eye. Because of its consistent accuracy, IntraLase Custom LASIK may make LASIK a viable option even for patients who previously didn’t qualify, such as those with thin corneas.

Creating the corneal flap using IntraLase











In the first step of LASIK where the corneal flap is created, the IntraLase laser uses ultra–fast pulses of laser light to position microscopic bubbles at a precise depth determined by the eye surgeon. Next, the IntraLase laser stacks bubbles around the corneal diameter to create the edges of the corneal flap. The positions of these bubbles are determined by the eye surgeon and are individualised to the way the patient’s eye is shaped. This process takes up to 30 seconds. This whole process is pain free.

The surgeon then gently lifts the flap to allow for the second step of your LASIK treatment, which is the shaping of the corneal bed. When the second step is complete, the flap “locks” back into position and rapidly begins to heal.

Using IntraLase, surgeons can tailor-make the patient’s ideal corneal flap, which increases the likelihood of achieving 20/20 vision or better.

Why do patients opt for IntraLase Custom LASIK?

Because the corneal flap created using IntraLase technology is highly customisable, the chances of achieving near-perfect or perfect vision is higher. Using the IntraLase method, the entire procedure, including preparation time, is often completed in both eyes in 30 minutes. Recovery time is also greatly reduced with patients seeing better immediately with only mild irritation lasting a few hours because of the custom corneal flap which heals faster than a flap created with a microkeratome.

By introducing a truly blade-free procedure, IntraLase Custom LASIK significantly reduces the risk of human error and surgical complications as the traditional handheld microkeratome is not used. Furthermore, most patient fears of blades in eye surgery are virtually eliminated.

Is IntraLase Custom LASIK surgery for me?

LASIK surgery is a viable alternative for people who suffer within a range of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism and who do not want to wear corrective lenses such as contact lenses or glasses, be it for personal, recreational or professional reasons. A qualified ophthalmologist can perform extensive eye examinations to determine whether a patient is suitable for LASIK vision correction surgery.

As a whole, IntraLase Custom LASIK surgery represents significant benefits for patients who are eligible for LASIK surgery because of its blade-free technology, faster recovery and higher chances of perfect vision.

What are the risks?

Risks are minimal. By introducing a truly blade-free procedure, IntraLase significantly reduces the risk of human error and surgical complications as the traditional handheld blade is not used. Furthermore, most people’s fears of blades in eye surgery are virtually eliminated.

What does it cost?

IntraLase Custom LASIK costs about $2,925 per eye and interest free finance terms are available. For those who to want free themselves from glasses or contacts, the shorter healing time and better long-term results can make IntraLase well worth the money.

See also: LASIK Laser Vision Correction and Implantable Contact Lenses

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