For many years patients with corneas that were too thin or too steep were not considered candidates for LASIK surgery. With the introduction of the Intralase method, many of these patients can now safely have LASIK.

The traditional LASIK procedure began when the corneal flap was created using a microkeratome, an oscillating surgical blade, by the surgeon. This technique produced a one-dimensional flap at a set thickness. Research showed that by customizing the corneal flap to match the patient’s exact needs contributed to a better surgical outcome, which lead to the development of the Intralase method.

Now a femtosecond laser is used to create the corneal flap. Using the 3-D map of the eye generated by the WaveScan system, Dr. Sandy T. Feldman is able to determine the exact thickness and diameter of the corneal flap for each patient. During the Intralase procedure, a rapid laser light pulse is used to create microscopic bubbles on the surface of the cornea at a preset depth in about 10-15 seconds. Dr. Feldman then carefully separates the corneal tissue to reveal the LASIK treatment area. Once this LASIK procedure is completed, the corneal flap is carefully folded back into place where it acts as a natural bandage and aids in healing. Click here to see a video featuring Dr. Feldman explaining the iLASIK and Intralase procedure.

To find out more about LASIK in Rancho Santa Fe and IntraLase, contact our San Diego office.