What is IntraLase, and is it Better than Conventional Laser Eye Surgery?
It is common that, the more one attempts to learn about Laser Eye Surgery, the more confused they get. With so many treatments seemingly available, on top of countless brand names and jargon, it can be easy to come out with more questions than you started with.
Just when you feel like you are finally getting your head around Laser Eye Surgery, a provider introduces a new cutting-edge technology that you just need to know about.
One such technology is IntraLase. Unlike many others, however, IntraLase really does represent one of the most significant developments in Laser Eye Surgery since the introduction of LASIK way back in the 90s.
IntraLase is actually one of the most well-known product names for the femtosecond laser – the technology that helped to catapult Laser Eye Surgery to worldwide success.
Before the introduction of IntraLase or the femtosecond laser, Laser Eye Surgery was performed with a microkeratome. This is a precision surgical instrument that features an oscillating blade – used to create a small flap in the cornea.
Fast-forward to the phasing out of this method, Laser Eye Surgery performed with a femtosecond laser became known as “bladeless” or “blade-free” surgery. Not only does this sound less scary, but the introduction of this technology also made Laser Eye Surgery much more precise and safe, reducing the risk of complications.
IntraLase Vs. Traditional LASIK
In the video above, Dr Glenn Carp explains IntraLase technology and how the femtosecond laser works.
As Dr Carp explains, ‘IntraLase’ is the name given to one of the femtosecond lasers used in modern LASIK surgery. There are around six different types of femtosecond laser available today, all of which are used to create the corneal flap in LASIK Laser Eye Surgery – through which corneal tissue is removed.
While earlier versions of Laser Eye Surgery involved making a cut in the cornea with a microkeratome, femtosecond lasers instead create a bubble at a programmed depth within the corneal tissue. These bubbles separate the tissue, allowing the surgeon to carefully dissect the layer and replace the flap once the procedure is complete. So, IntraLase is simply an advanced laser cutting device, a technology that is used in most clinics today.
So, to put it simply, IntraLase – or other versions of the femtosecond laser – are considered the new standard for LASIK treatment. Here at London Vision Clinic, we use femtosecond laser technology as standard to ensure the utmost efficacy and safety.
In addition to AMO IntraLase, Carl Zeiss VisuMax, and Ziemer FEMTO LDV are also leading manufacturers of this technology. They claim that these lasers are valuable in reducing complications and increasing the accuracy of results – something that is clearly supported by patient outcomes.
If you have any further questions about IntraLase – or any other Laser Eye Surgery technology – don’t hesitate to contact one of our friendly clinic coordinators. If you are ready to discuss your options, Book a Consultation today.