iLASIK - A Safer Procedure
We understand how important vision is, which is why your decision to move forward with LASIK should provide the safest and best experience possible. One of the greatest advantages of iLASIK is safety. Some of the safety advantages of iLASIK include:
Another advantage of iLASIK is the fact that it works. The majority of iLASIK patients achieve their desired vision following the procedure. Even better, vision is corrected almost immediately with the iLASIK procedure. This is why the majority of our iLASIK patients do not miss work during their recovery period.
Unfortunately, some surgeons still use the microkeratome, a hand-held metal blade that moves back and forth and creates a cut as it travels across the cornea. The microkeratome is only capable of making a single, one-dimensional cut across the cornea. As it cuts, the blade oscillates back and forth, which can leave an irregular surface after the flap is lifted. This affects the quality of the vision correction, and LASIK outcomes.
Additionally, most corneas are oval shaped, not perfectly round. Lasers can replicate the oval shape when creating the flap; or can create whatever shape is needed to best match the patient’s particular cornea. One of the many reasons, iLASIK (custom, blade-less LASIK) is the preferred LASIK treatment platform. Conversely, corneal flaps created by a blade are round and cannot be customized to the patient. Procedures using a metal blade are considered “generic” treatments.
When corneal flaps are created, the tissue remains “hinged”. The laser can be used to place the hinge at any point, 360 degrees – totally customized for each patient. The blade created flaps cannot vary the hinge location – again a “generic” treatment.
When considering LASIK, it is important to remember that blade-free LASIK is safer than procedures using metal blades that create “knife-edge” flaps which are more likely to tear. LASIK procedures that use a metal blade can also create uneven flap edges and have been associated with incomplete or improperly formed “buttonhole” flaps and abnormal corneal surfaces causing complications and vision defects.
- Minimal risk of sight-threatening events (free caps, globe penetration, buttonhole flaps, and/or incomplete flaps
- No risk of corneal abrasion
- Reduced risk of dry eye
- No bandages or stitches
Another advantage of iLASIK is the fact that it works. The majority of iLASIK patients achieve their desired vision following the procedure. Even better, vision is corrected almost immediately with the iLASIK procedure. This is why the majority of our iLASIK patients do not miss work during their recovery period.
Unfortunately, some surgeons still use the microkeratome, a hand-held metal blade that moves back and forth and creates a cut as it travels across the cornea. The microkeratome is only capable of making a single, one-dimensional cut across the cornea. As it cuts, the blade oscillates back and forth, which can leave an irregular surface after the flap is lifted. This affects the quality of the vision correction, and LASIK outcomes.
Additionally, most corneas are oval shaped, not perfectly round. Lasers can replicate the oval shape when creating the flap; or can create whatever shape is needed to best match the patient’s particular cornea. One of the many reasons, iLASIK (custom, blade-less LASIK) is the preferred LASIK treatment platform. Conversely, corneal flaps created by a blade are round and cannot be customized to the patient. Procedures using a metal blade are considered “generic” treatments.
When corneal flaps are created, the tissue remains “hinged”. The laser can be used to place the hinge at any point, 360 degrees – totally customized for each patient. The blade created flaps cannot vary the hinge location – again a “generic” treatment.
When considering LASIK, it is important to remember that blade-free LASIK is safer than procedures using metal blades that create “knife-edge” flaps which are more likely to tear. LASIK procedures that use a metal blade can also create uneven flap edges and have been associated with incomplete or improperly formed “buttonhole” flaps and abnormal corneal surfaces causing complications and vision defects.