iLasik vs. Traditional Lasik – Know The Differences
Intralase Lasik procedure (also called “iLasik”) is considered among the most advanced LASIK surgical procedures in the field of ophthalmology today. Other names for this procedure are All-Laser LASIK or Bladeless LASIK. As the names suggest, the procedure is performed without using a surgical blade (microkeratome) to create the corneal flap. In a traditional LASIK procedure, microkeratome, a hand-held blade, is used to create the flap and an excimer laser is used to reshape the tissues underneath. But with an iLasik procedure, Intralase laser is used in creating the flap and then a VISX laser reshapes the tissues underneath. At Horizon Eye Specialists & Laser Center we always ensure to test and adopt the most advanced vision correction technologies for the benefit of patients in the Phoenix, AZ area.
The Intralase femtosecond laser can cut the corneal flap more precisely in comparison with a blade in traditional LASIK surgery. With the use of femtosecond laser, the chance that any distortions will occur during the creation of the corneal flap is considerably less than that of the traditional LASIK procedure. The iLasik procedure is a fully customized vision correction as it consists of two advanced technologies of LASIK that are adjusted to match the unique characteristics of each patient’s eyes. The iLasik procedure can correct a great variety of vision disorders so that more people can enjoy excellent vision without using contact lenses or eyeglasses. The use of two advanced lasers, precise measurement and 3-D mapping makes iLasik superior to the conventional LASIK procedure, both in terms of vision outcomes and overall safety.
In an IntraLase LASIK procedure, accurate measurements of the eye will be taken with help of the most advanced computer-guided technology. The VISX Wavescan Wavefront technology enables our doctors to create a three-dimensional map of each eye and use it to diagnose and understand even minute imperfections of each patient’s eye. After taking the measurement of the eyes and making preparations for surgery, the IntraLase laser is used for the creation of a corneal flap which is then folded back gently. This creation of corneal flap using the laser provides excellent results as it more frequently provides 20/20 vision or more to patients along with better night vision.
The CustomVue laser is then used to correct the vision of the patient according to the specifications obtained through the 3-D mapping. This advanced laser provides excellent precision to the procedure which results in highly accurate outcome. The iLasik procedure reduces complications like partial flaps, irregular flaps, incomplete flaps, infections and perforations. Patients who underwent this procedure report not to experience pain and felt comfortable during the short operation (for the creation of corneal flap, the Intralase laser works for less than one minute) that is often completed within ten minutes.
Recovery after an iLasik surgery is much faster, when compared with the traditional LASIK procedure. The chances of inflammation and infections in the eyes are very rare and are lower than in a traditional LASIK because the Interlase laser is more sterile than a microkeratome. If you would like to learn more about iLasik, contact our offices in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria and Goodyear, or call us at 602-horizon.