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IntraLase® LASIK FAQ

We offer all-laser, bladeless LASIK eye surgery at our San Francisco area offices that also serve San Jose, South Bay, Oakland East Bay, and Santa Rosa California. Below are a few frequently asked questions about IntraLASIK or bladeless LASIK to help you with your LASIK surgery decision.

ANSWERS

Why IntraLASIK?

Traditional LASIK is a very good procedure. While the risk of complication is very minimal, all surgery carries some degree of risk. Now, an advanced computer-controlled laser technology is available that significantly reduces the risk of complications. It is known as IntraLase® and the procedure is known as IntraLASIK. The IntraLase® laser is uniquely safe, uniquely precise, and offers patients predictably better visual results. The advanced IntraLase® technology has given many patients more confidence when considering laser vision correction. Surgeons frequently prescribe the IntraLase® FS laser because it provides micron-level accuracy and significantly reduces the possibility of risk and unpredictable outcomes.

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How is IntraLASIK different from traditional LASIK?

LASIK is actually a two-step process. First, a flap of corneal tissue must be created and then folded back. The cornea is the transparent dome-like structure that covers the iris and pupil of your eye. By creating a flap in the cornea, the surgeon is able to perform the laser vision correction treatment on the inner layer of the cornea, which practically eliminates any patient discomfort and allows for a rapid visual recovery. Traditionally, the surgeon has created the corneal flap with a hand-held mechanical device that utilizes a surgical blade. This method has worked well over the years; however, the performance of these devices can be unpredictable. Although LASIK complications are rare, this mechanical device is frequently the source for many of the reported complications. With the IntraLase® laser, the surgeon uses the precision of a laser to create the corneal flap. This advanced technology allows the surgeon more control during the procedure, and even allows customization of the corneal flap for every individual patient. Because of its consistent accuracy, IntraLase® now makes it possible to treat many patients who were dismissed as candidates for laser vision correction due to thin corneas.

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Is this the same as the customized procedure I have heard so much about?

It’s the critical first step of the customized procedure. There has never been a combination of technologies that have allowed for this type of personalized vision correction before. The most exciting part is that while offering the ability to get the best results, we are doing it all with unprecedented safety and precision. Every patient’s eyes are different and therefore need to be evaluated independently, and uniquely treated. Now all steps of the laser vision correction procedure may be customized to the individual: custom diagnosis (before the procedure), custom flap (to start the procedure), and custom treatment (to complete the procedure).

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Is IntraLase® safer?

LASIK, the most popular elective surgical procedure in the United States, is very safe. However, most surgeons acknowledge that the main safety issues in laser vision correction are related to the use of the mechanical device used to create the corneal flap. The IntraLase® laser provides a unique level of safety because of its micron-level precision.

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Is traditional LASIK unsafe?

No, but IntraLase® reduces the risk of complications reported with traditional LASIK. The advanced IntraLase® technology has given many patients more confidence when considering laser vision correction.

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Another provider told me their technology is used more often. Who do I believe?

Leading surgeons nationwide are now adopting the IntraLase® laser, and approximately 100,000 eyes have now been treated with this advanced technology. IntraLase® is becoming the standard of care in these practices.

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How would you compare the visual outcomes using IntraLase® with those of traditional LASIK?

Today, it is known that visual outcomes with IntraLASIK are comparable with those of traditional LASIK. Studies are now underway to evaluate whether results with IntraLASIK might be even better, as has been anecdotally reported. However, surgeons may now offer a new level of predictability to each patient in all parts of the procedure: custom diagnosis (before the procedure), custom flap (to start the procedure), and custom treatment (to complete the procedure).

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I have seen several advertisements for "all-laser" LASIK. Is this IntraLASIK?

Be sure to ask for IntraLASIK by name. Only the IntraLase® laser can provide the computer-controlled laser precision required for maximum predictability. Our doctors will explain the difference between other procedures that may be advertised as “all-laser,” such as LASEK or PRK, which are surface ablations that do not require the creation of a corneal flap. These procedures generally require longer healing time and frequently involve more discomfort.

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A very close friend had traditional LASIK surgery at LaserVue and today enjoys 20/20 vision. Why should I pay more for IntraLASIK?

Because we believe it is compelling technology that potentially raises the standard for safety in vision correction surgery. You should discuss your concerns directly with LaserVue doctors, as certain vision disorders and corneal anatomy may be associated with a higher degree of risk. We will help you decide which procedure is best for you.

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Is IntraLASIK more expensive?

LASIK surgery may be elective, but good vision is not. Advanced technologies are usually more expensive for the surgeon to employ in their practice. IntraLase® technology provides potentially greater precision, safety, and predictability. Thus many patients agree IntraLASIK is well worth the additional cost when considering vision correction surgery.

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