Q) What is i-LASIK?

Q) How do Custom LASIK and IntraLase LASIK differ? Is one more advanced than the other?

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 IntraLase method, or all-Laser LASIK, uses a laser to create the corneal flap instead of the of using a microkeratome, a hand-held tool with an oscillating blade During the IntraLase treatment, a femtosecond laser carefully creates the corneal flap at a predetermined depth. Once the flap is created, it is gently folded back from the cornea to expose the treatment area. Because the IntraLase is a much more precise and computer controlled procedure, even patients that have thin corneas, may now be candidates for LASIK.

The iLASIK procedure is a two laser method for performing LASIK. This method has been approved by the military for its personnel and astronauts.

During the LASIK procedure, a flap is created on the cornea or the front surface of the eye. The laser is then used to reshape the secondary layer of the cornea. In the past, a semi-automated mechanical instrument, called amicrokeratome, was used to create the flap. This procedure used an oscillating blade.

The Intralase uses a technologically, advanced method to create the thin corneal flap in LASIK. During a traditional LASIK procedure a semi-automated mechanical device, known as a microkeratome, is used to create the flap.

The IntraLase Method is a 100% blade-free procedure that is used to perform the critical first step in the LASIK procedure; when the corneal flap is created. After the corneal flap is created, the second step of the LASIK procedure is started. During this step, an excimer laser is used to shape the cornea or front surface of the eye.

To see if LASIK is right for you, contact ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center.

The Intralase treatment is done during the second step of the iLASIK procedure. Intralase creates an ideal LASIK flap using the blade-free, all laser technology. Then the Advance CustomVue treatment is done. This laser vision correction procedure provides a broad range of treatments for patients who are nearsighted or farsighted, as well as patients with astigmatism.

The iLASIK procedure combines two customizable technologies, IntraLase with the Advanced CustomVue treatment. Dr. Sandy T. Feldman, a FDA clinical investigator and international corneal expert, was one of the first refractive surgeons in San Diego to offer the iLASIK procedure to her patients at ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center.

To see if iLASIK is right for you, contact us.