Eye Surgery Guide

Eye Surgery Section


Welcome to Eye Surgery Guide

Eye Surgery Article

Lasik Eye Surgery With Fewer Risks Using IntraLase
Bianca Tavares

The introduction of laser eye surgery a number of years ago - first via the PRK procedure and then using LASIK (an acronym for Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis) - marked a major step forward in vision correction without having to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Whilst the LASIK procedure has proven very popular with millions of successful operations carried out around the world, there has always been a slight risk of an unsuccessful operation or of complications. These risks are primarily associated with the first stage of the operation in which a hand-held microkeratome blade is used to create a corneal flap. This flap is of vital importance to the overall success of the operation. If it is too thick or too thin or incorrectly shaped it could adversely affect the quality of vision.

Advances in laser technology have now made it possible to reduce the risks associated with LASIK eye surgery through a procedure known as IntraLase. The IntraLase procedure performs the first crucial part of the operation without use of a blade and as such improves on the safety, precision and outcome of traditional LASIK surgery.

With IntraLase, the corneal flap is created by the surgeon using a computer-guided laser with great precision, enabling the surgeon to have exact control over its dimensions. Accuracy is achievable within the range +/-10 microns. The result being that the flap can be tailored to meet the precise needs of each individual patient. It even means that patients who aren't suitable candidates for traditional LASIK due to having corneas that are too thin, can now benefit from the operation.

Furthermore, by using IntraLase LASIK there is a much reduced risk of the corneal flap being displaced - a complication which can arise with the microkeratome operation. IntraLase creates a distinct beveled edge to the flap, enabling precise repositioning and alignment after the procedure. This results in optimal healing of the cornea following the operation.

The IntraLase operation is also quicker than traditional LASIK - depending on the laser used, typically 30 seconds per eye as opposed to around one minute. This has the benefit of greater comfort and less worry for the patient.

With regard to outcome of the procedure, results of clinical studies indicate that IntraLase patients have better resultant vision than those who underwent the traditional LASIK procedure employing a manual blade technique. The following are some of the benefits:

* More patients achieved 20/20 or better vision * Reduced frequency of post-operative night-time glare and halos * Reduced incidence of dry eye symptoms * Fewer enhancement procedures needed following the initial operation * Reduced frequency of induced astigmatism after the operation * Patient satisfaction much higher in those expressing a preference

The cost of an IntraLase operation is higher than that of traditional LASIK eye surgery. About a 20% increase has been quoted. However the added degree of safety combined with the promise of better vision is persuading increasingly more laser eye surgery patients to opt for IntraLase.

About the author:

You can learn more about LASIK eye surgery and find Dr Tavares' guide to contact lenses and healthy vision at Contact Lenses Online.



Eye Surgery Best products


Eye Surgery News

Experimental Contacts May Ease Pain After Laser Eye Surgery

Title: Experimental Contacts May Ease Pain After Laser Eye Surgery Category: Health News Created: 1/21/2012 11:00:00 AM Last Editorial Review: 1/23/2012

Read more...


Evergreen Eye Center Introduces Groundbreaking Leica M22 Surgical Microscope for Cataract Surgery to the US

FEDERAL WAY, Wash., Jan 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. John Jarstad, Founder of Evergreen Eye Center, was the first US surgeon to use the new, Leica M822 Swiss microscope. The M822 is the latest version ...

Read more...


Gap in SDHB eye surgery

The Southern District Health Board has been forced to look elsewhere for vitreoretinal surgery following the departure of an eye surgeon. read more

Read more...


Man Utd goalkeeper may have eye surgery

David de Gea may have laser eye surgery at the end of the season to cure his long-sightedness.

Read more...


Newsweek Showcase Features Rajesh Khanna, MD as One of the 15 Leaders in Laser Eye Surgery in the United States

Beverly Hills LASIK surgeon Rajesh Khanna, MD was recently selected as amongst the top 15 leaders in laser eye surgery by Newsweek showcase. Dr.Khanna is also known as the LASIK surgeon to the stars.Beverly Hills, California (PRWEB) January 26, 2012 Beverly Hills LASIK surgeon was recently selected as amongst the top 15 leaders in laser eye surgery by Newsweek showcase.Newsweek is a prestigious ...

Read more...


Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea set for laser eye surgery in the summer - report

The Spaniard would need four days recovery time and has reportedly been pencilled in before the London 2012 Olympics as he looks set to get the nod for the Spain squad

Read more...