Angeles Vision Clinic
This web site has detailed information on many other eye conditions. Please feel free to visit our Home Page or check out other eye conditions on our Eye Conditions page. For more information on Refractive surgery, visit our Refractive Surgery page.
IntraLase
Bubble-Powered
For A Blade-Free LASIK Experience
The IntraLase
Method is a 100% blade-free approach to corneal flap creation—the critical
first step in the LASIK procedure.
In traditional surgery, the corneal flap is
created with a microkeratome, a metal blade within a mechanical hand-held
device. This generally provides good results, but it is difficult to ensure an
accurate depth and consistent thickness of the flap with blade technology.
Unlike
other procedures, the IntraLase Method creates the corneal flap by applying
tiny, rapid pulses of laser light—not a metal blade or microkeratome.
Each pulse of light passes through the top layers of your cornea and forms a
microscopic bubble at a specific depth and position within your eye that is
determined by the doctor. As the IntraLase laser moves back and forth across
your eye, a uniform layer of bubbles forms just below the corneal surface. Your
doctor creates your corneal flap by gently separating the tissue where these
bubbles have formed.
Because
of the unique way in which the IntraLase Method creates a precisely positioned
layer of bubbles just beneath the surface of your eye, it creates a smooth, even
surface after your flap is lifted. The
corneal flap is then
folded back so the doctor can perform the second step of your LASIK treatment.
Only your healthcare professional can determine if LASIK and the IntraLase Method is right for you. As with all elective procedures, you should ask your doctor for a complete list of the risks and complications associated with LASIK and the IntraLase Method.
Note: I wish to thank IntraLase for the use of some of their pictures and descriptions. http://www.intralase.com
An important note from Dr. Thompson:
See: Risks of Refractive Surgery. Remember surgery is surgery and all surgery has risks. This is not meant to discourage you but these are facts you should know if you plan to have surgery preformed. This office is extensively involved in refractive surgery and would be happy to meet with you and discuss your case. I have personally had refractive surgery. But, just because these risks were acceptable to me does not mean they will be acceptable to you. I strongly recommend you educate yourself prior to surgery and then consult a knowledgeable eye care provider to further guide you through the procedure and follow-up. Pre and post operative care is critical in maximizing your chance of a good outcome.
Our office policy is to educate our refractive surgery patients well enough that they have realistic expectations and know the risks before they commit to the surgery, we believe in informed consent. Once the decision is made, it is our goal to get that person to the best surgeon for the amount of money they want to spend.