Topical / All about Eyes

Intralase Vision Corrections

California eye surgeons have found a way to eliminate one of the potentially dangerous steps of LASIK surgery.

The procedure called Intralase uses a laser in place of a blade to make a flap in the eye as the first step in the correction process. Then, as in the traditional procedure, another laser is used to change the shape of the eye.
LASIK is a two-step procedure. In the traditional treatment, a blade is used to cut a flap over the top of the eye. Then, a laser is used to change the shape of the eye to correct the vision. The blade has a few inherent risks along with it. For one, it can jam during the procedure. Also, the blade can get nicks in it, which can be harmful to the patient, and it has to be cleaned between patients.
The new procedure eliminates these risks by eliminating the blade altogether. Instead, it uses the fastest laser currently available to make the cut. Currently only three doctors in the United States perform the new procedure. Doctors say the procedure is ideal for patients who are afraid to have the procedure done for fear of the risk from the blade. Results from the procedure have been similar to those with the traditional procedure.