Traditionally, a LASIK surgery involves a microkeratome or a metal blade that cuts the corneal flap, which is folded back before the surgeon applies laser energy for reshaping the cornea. This method has been well in practice since the time LASIK eye surgery has been discovered. However, due to the unpredictability of the performance of this equipment and repeated reports of them being the source of frequent complications, the bladeless LASIK or the IntraLase technology has come into vogue. The bladeless technology employs a computer controlled laser rather than a handheld mechanical device as used in regular LASIK surgery, and is considered a safer and better option.
IntraLase LASIK is also known as Femtosecond technology. It is used to create the flap in the cornea. Energy pulses are applied on the eye at a rate of one quadrillion per second. While the traditional LASIK surgery employs the microkeratome for creating the flap, an IntraLase aims at cutting the flap on the surface of the eye. The typical advantages of a bladeless LASIK includes reduced flap related complications, lesser instances of dry eye syndrome and improved control over the creation of the flap size and depth. All this is directly related to the post surgical eye conditions of the patient including the various symptoms affecting the visual quality after the operation.
IntraLase or bladeless surgery is also considered to produce a consistent thickness in the flap from one edge to the other, the accuracy of which has been unprecedented in flap creation technology. With a better flap stability demonstrated in bladeless LASIK surgery, the possibilities of flap complications such as partial flaps, free flaps, or flap dislocation can be reduced or eliminated to a great extent.
Although very rare, there is a unique risk associated with bladeless LASIK that might cause transient light sensitivity. Moreover, compared to a traditional LASIK surgery a bladeless LASIK might cost $300 extra per eye, which is quite expensive. According to experts, a traditional microkeratome can be very well matched with the finesse of the bladeless technology and thus, it depends on the individual choice to select between the two.
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