IntraLASIK, also known as Femto-LASIK or All-Laser LASIK, is a form of refractive eye surgery similar to LASIK that creates a corneal flap with a femtosecond laser microkeratome rather than with a mechanical microkeratome, which uses a steel blade. The only difference between LASIK and IntraLASIK is the method by which the LASIK flap is created. The actual refractive correction by corneal ablation can then be performed with any excimer laser that is able to perform LASIK, including conventional, wavefront-optimized, or wavefront-guided ablation. IntraLASIK can be used to surgically create monovision to enhance the ability to see objects both distant and near for those affected by presbyopia.
IntraLASIK Advantages
- People with Thin Corneas May Be Considered
The IntraLase can be used for patients with thinner and flatter corneas. Thus, patients who were once turned away from LASIK may be considered candidates for IntraLASIK. - Procedure Can Be Customized
Depending on the patient’s eye anatomy, the doctor has the ability to customize the creation of the corneal flap. Because everyone’s eyes are uniquely shaped, individualizing the corneal flap produces favorable outcomes. - Better Overall Vision
Patients undergoing LASIK with the IntraLASIK method have reported better overall vision, including vision in dim environments. In one study, patients volunteered to have traditional LASIK in one eye and LASIK using the IntraLASIK method in the other eye. The vision resulting from the IntraLASIK-treated eye was preferred 3 to 1 over the eye treated with traditional LASIK.