Intra Femtosecond Lasik, Cons & Pros

IntraLASIK is a variation of LASIK using the IntraLase FS femtosecond laser instead of a microkeratome blade to cut the corneal flap. The IntraLase laser was approved by the FDA in 2001, it is the first and only laser technology approved for use in the first step of the LASIK procedure, creating the corneal flap.
The obvious advantages of a flap created with IntraLase over a microkeratome are that there is little to no possibility of corneal abrasion, thin flap, thick flap, partial flap, incorrect diameter, or buttonhole flap. The clinical studies show that, IntraLASIK has an improvement over traditional microkeratome procedures, which have a 1% to 3% incidence of complications.

LASIK

Prices Of Intra LASIK Eye Surgery

Wavefront IntraLase flap Lasik average costs : $2,360 per eye
Standard microkeratome flap Lasik average costs : $1,700 per eye

Procedures Of Create An Ultra-thin Flap By IntraLase

  1. As with standard LASIK, a circular ring is centered on the cornea and held in place via vacuum. The vacuum causes a pressure sensation and temporarily dims the vision.
  2. The IntraLase laser is precisely focused to a point within the cornea, where thousands of microscopic bubbles are formed to define the architecture of the intra corneal surface and the resulting flap.
  3. The surgeon controls flap diameter, depth, hinge location and width, and side-cut architecture. Bubbles are then stacked along the edge up to the corneal surface to complete create an ultra-thin flap.

Advantages Of IntraLASIK Eye Surgery

  • Better outcomes of vision
  • Better safer with fewer complications with risk to visual result
  • Individualized flaps
  • Flap thickness can vary 5 microns, and flap diameter is very predictable
  • No significant epithelial injury or damage

Side Effects Of IntraLASIK Eye Surgery

  • Additional costs for Intra-LASIK
    Intralase doctors actually charge patients an additional $300 - $500 per eye to use the laser to cut the patient's cornea.
  • Procedure takes more time
    The microkeratome blade allows the surgery for one eye to be completed in approximately 30 seconds, while Intralase will take about a minute for each eye.
  • Recovery period is longer
    The patient's recovery period of Intra-LASIK is longer than patient with a microkeratome LASIK Eye Surgery. Eyes can be red for a few days.