Intralase represents an advancement in the most delicate step in Lasik - making the corneal flap. Standard Lasik relies on a steel microkeratome blade to make the corneal flap. Intralase is a femtosecond laser specifically designed to fashion the corneal flap using ultra-quick pulsating laser energy. Because the laser is computer assisted, the flaps it makes are amazingly precise and uniform. The Intralase laser allows us to perform "All Laser Lasik", and takes us a large step closer to making the perfect flap.

While Lasik is a very safe procedure, the few complications seen often have to do with either the making or healing of the corneal flap. With Intralase we may be able to avoid some of the flap complications seen with microkeratome generated flaps. Laser made flaps follow the curvature of the cornea and they also are created with a small vertical groove at the flap periphery allowing a more precise "fit" when the flap is returned to the corneal bed. These properties diminish the chance of corneal epithelial ingrowths, and flap dislocations.

Other problems less likely with laser made flaps include less flap irregularities, such as flaps which are either too thin, too thick, or irregular in shape. Epithelial sloughing, and post-operative dry eye are also seen less often with Intralase.

1. IntraLASIK software directs the INTRALASE FS Laser to optically focus its beam into a tiny, 3 micron spot of energy that passes harmlessly through the outer layers of the cornea until reaching its exact focal point within the stroma (central layer of the cornea).
2. In an "inside out" process, the laser beam creates a dissection plane by forming an interconnecting series of bubbles (made of carbon dioxide and water vapor).
3. The laser beam stacks a pattern of bubbles along the periphery of the ablation plane, leaving an uncut section of tissue to act as a hinge. As with a traditional LASIK approach, the surgeon then folds the tissue back to  expose the underlying corneal layer to prepare for the excimer laser treatment that will re-shape the cornea.

For additional information, please visit Intralase's website at: www.intralase.com.