subject: What Is The Difference Between Intralase And Traditional Lasik? Overview [print this page] Over the years, LASIK has given hundreds of thousands of people the ability to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. Despite the safety and efficacy of LASIK, however, the creation of the corneal flap has always presented a small but significant risk. The corneal flap has traditionally been created with a microkeratome, a precise cutting instrument with a small metal blade. Complications with the corneal flap was one of the risks that kept many people from undergoing LASIK, even if they might have been good candidates.
Thankfully, Intralase has revolutionized the LASIK procedure, making it even safer and more reliable. The Intralase laser takes the place of the traditional microkeratome. This highly precise laser makes exact cuts in the cornea, all but removing the possibility of corneal flap complications from the LASIK process. Not only does the Intralase laser increase the safety of LASIK, but it also enables people who might otherwise not have been good candidates for the procedure because of their thin corneas to benefit from LASIK. In essence, Intralase allows eye surgeons to make LASIK an all-laser procedure.
This is not to say that traditional LASIK is significantly less safe than treatment with the Intralase laser. Traditional LASIK with a microkeratome is a time-tested procedure with an excellent record of safety and success. All-laser LASIK with Intralase should be considered a refinement of an already safe and dependable procedure rather than a vast improvement. Treatment with Intralase is more expensive than traditional LASIK, which makes the latter a more viable option for many patients.
Even with Intralase, not everyone is a suitable candidate for LASIK. To determine your candidacy for LASIK or any other form of laser refractive surgery, meet with a qualified ophthalmologist in your area. He or she will explain your surgical options and advise you of your best course of treatment.
