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Discover IntraLase
The New Shape of Vision
Laser Eye Center of Lubbock, the only West
Texas provider of IntraLase (a uniquely safe, computer controlled, no-blade
alternative to creating the corneal flap in LASIK)
IntraLase� is rapidly becoming known as a key ingredient to
optimizing visual results in laser vision correction surgery. This exceptional
technology, known as the IntraLase FS laser provides a less invasive, computer
controlled, no-blade approach to the important first step of the LASIK laser
vision correction procedure. This step, traditionally performed with a surgical
blade (microkeratome), has now been enhanced by the laser�s micron level
accuracy, making every procedure more predictable. This remarkable precision,
provided by IntraLase technology, makes laser vision correction a comfortable
and confident choice.
Vision correction surgery is actually a two-step process.
First, a thin flap of the top layers of corneal tissue is created and folded
back. Then, an excimer laser reshapes the interior of the cornea, and the flap
is replaced. In traditional surgery, the corneal flap is created with a
microkeratome, a metal blade within a mechanical hand-held device. While this
generally provides good results, the procedure can result in complications
because it is difficult to ensure an accurate depth and consistent thickness of
the flap with blade technology. By replacing the traditional microkeratome blade
approach with a silent, tiny beam of laser light, the IntraLase FS laser reduces
the risk of complication in creating the corneal flap; in fact, more patients
may be candidates for laser vision correction due to this unique level of
precision that was previously unavailable.
The IntraLase FS (femtosecond) laser creates the corneal flap
with a precisely predetermined pattern and depth. This laser precision offers a
unique level of safety in the creation of the corneal flap, and enables the
surgeon to safely create a corneal flap of precise shape and thickness. In the
past, people with corneas too thin, flat, steep or irregular weren�t considered
good candidates for LASIK. With IntraLase�s high degree of accuracy now we are
able to help many more people reduce their dependency on glasses and contacts.
 
The singular benefit is, by replacing the blade with the
IntraLase laser, complications may be reduced leading to better vision outcomes.
The result is a uniquely safe, uniquely precise and predictable corneal
resection with customized excimer laser (LASIK) correction.
The IntraLase FS Laser
For additional information regarding the IntraLase FS Laser
please visit www.intralase.com.
IntraLase FAQs
- Why IntraLase�? � Traditional LASIK is a very good procedure. While the
risk of complication is very minimal, all surgery carries some degree of risk.
Now, an advanced computer controlled laser technology is available that
significantly reduces the risk of complications. It is known as IntraLase. �
The IntraLase laser is uniquely safe, uniquely precise and offers patients
predictably better visual results. The advanced IntraLase technology has given
many patients more confidence when considering laser vision correction.
Surgeons frequently prescribe the INTRALASE� FS laser because it
provides micron level accuracy and significantly reduces the possibility of
risk and unpredictable outcomes.
- How is IntraLase different from traditional LASIK? � LASIK is actually a 2
step process. First, a flap of corneal tissue must be created and then folded
back. The cornea is the transparent dome-like structure that covers the iris
and pupil of your eye. By creating a flap in the cornea, the surgeon is able
to perform the laser vision correction treatment on the inner layer of the
cornea, which practically eliminates any patient discomfort and allows for a
rapid visual recovery. � Traditionally, the surgeon has created the corneal
flap with a hand-held mechanical device which utilizes a surgical blade. This
method has worked well over the years; however, the performance of these
devices can be unpredictable. And although LASIK complications are rare, this
mechanical device is frequently the source for many of the reported
complications. � With the IntraLase laser, the surgeon uses the precision of a
laser to create the corneal flap. The accuracy of the laser (100 times more
accurate than a blade) is unparalleled by any other technology in vision
correction surgery. This advanced technology allows the surgeon more control
during the procedure, and even allows customization of the corneal flap for
every individual patient. Because of its consistent accuracy, IntraLase now
makes it possible to treat many patients who were dismissed as candidates for
laser vision correction due to thin corneas.
- Is this the same as the customized procedure I have heard so much about? �
It�s the critical first step of the customized procedure. There has never been
a combination of technologies that have allowed for this type of personalized
vision correction. The most exciting part is that while offering the ability
to get the best results, we are doing it all with unprecedented safety and
precision. � Every patient�s eyes are different and therefore need to be
evaluated independently and uniquely treated. Now all steps of the laser
vision correction procedure may be customized to the individual: custom
diagnosis (before the procedure), custom flap (to start the procedure), and
custom treatment (to complete the procedure).
- Is IntraLase safer? � Most surgeons acknowledge that the main safety
issues in laser vision correction are related to the use of the mechanical
device used to create the corneal flap. Multiple studies which compare the
incidence of complications when using the IntraLase laser versus the
microkeratome device have shown a significant decrease in the events that
adversely impact safety. � The IntraLase laser provides a unique level of
safety because of its micron level precision. Clinical studies establishing
the precision and accuracy of the INTRALASE� FS laser have led researchers to
proclaim IntraLase technology as100 times more accurate in creating the flap
(the first step of the LASIK procedure) than the traditional approach with a
surgical blade. The statement is founded upon comparative studies that report
the likelihood of inaccuracy with the mechanical device as compared to that of
the INTRALASE FS laser. � This precision was also documented in studies
conducted for the FDA clearance of the laser, where the accuracy of flap
thickness was demonstrated at +/- 10 microns. Precise flap thickness is
critical to a successful LASIK outcome, and this degree of accuracy is
unprecedented in flap creation technology to date. � Finally, greater flap
stability was also demonstrated with the IntraLase laser in studies for the
laser�s FDA submission. The assurance that the flap will be securely
re-positioned without incident provides added peace of mind for many patients.
- Is traditional LASIK unsafe? � No, but IntraLase reduces the risk of
complications reported with traditional LASIK, and we feel that it is very
important for all patients. The advanced IntraLase technology has given many
patients more confidence when considering laser vision correction. Surgeons
are recommending the INTRALASE� FS laser for their patients because it
provides greater precision and may significantly reduce the possibility of
risk.
- Another provider told me their technology is
used more often. Who do I believe? � Leading surgeons nationwide are now
adopting the IntraLase laser, and approximately 100,000 eyes have now been
treated with this advanced technology. IntraLase has become the standard of
care in these practices.
- How would you compare the visual outcomes using IntraLase with those of
traditional LASIK? � IntraLase is rapidly becoming known as the key ingredient
to optimizing results in laser vision correction surgery. Comparative clinical
studies confirm that patients see better following laser vision correction
with IntraLase than with previous methods. � Surgeons may now offer a new
level of predictability to each patient in all parts of the procedure: custom
diagnosis (before the procedure), custom flap (to start the procedure), and
custom treatment (to complete the procedure). We believe that IntraLase is the
essential ingredient of this strategy to obtain your best vision while
maintaining the highest standards for safety and patient care.
- I have seen several advertisements for �All-Laser LASIK.� Is this
IntraLase? � Be sure to ask for IntraLase by name. Only the INTRALASE FS laser
can provide the computer controlled, laser precision required for maximum
predictability. Your doctor can explain the difference between other
procedures that may be advertised as �all laser�, such as LASEK or PRK which
are surface ablations that do not require the creation of a corneal flap.
These procedures generally require longer healing time and frequently involve
more discomfort.
- Is IntraLase more expensive? � LASIK surgery may be elective but good
vision is not. Advanced technologies are usually more expensive for the
surgeon to employ in a practice. IntraLase surgeons are frequently key opinion
leaders who continually evaluate all advances in technology. They have found
that the IntraLase computer-guided laser for flap creation is the most
sophisticated and accurate system available today. � IntraLase technology
provides greater precision, safety and predictability. IntraLase surgeons
believe that laser vision correction enriched with IntraLase is one of the
most important advances in technology today. Because of its unique safety
profile, these surgeons have invested in the technology in order to maintain
their commitment to excellence in patient care.
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