Everything You Need to Know About IntraLase Bladeless LASIK

IntraLase surgery, also known as bladeless LASIK, continues to gain popularity among patients striving to eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. This modern eye surgery method employs an excimer laser to correct vision effectively and safely. The choice of opting for IntraLase, or an all-laser LASIK, will play a large part in achieving your personal vision correction objectives. Rest assured, our team at the Kraff Eye Institute is ready and eager to assist you in this transformative journey.

What Is Bladeless (All-Laser) LASIK?

An advanced approach for those seeking LASIK surgery is IntraLase LASIK. During the surgery, an individual laser creates a flap on the cornea. The laser used is a femtosecond laser that can create a flap that's of equal thickness all around the entire flap. The edges are clean and the healing process is fast. Following the procedure, topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed to reduce the risks of infection and inflammation and to promote healing. Patients report having more precise vision following the surgery and the risk of experiencing glare or halos at night is reduced significantly.

What Does Bladeless IntraLase Lasik Surgery Treat?

Bladeless custom LASIK is a surgical procedure that is precisely designed to address the entire spectrum of vision issues. Bladeless LASIK is the most advanced LASIK method available, significantly reducing the risk of developing cornea problems following the procedure. This method will help those with a refractive error, or irregularly shaped cornea, who suffer from blurred vision due to images not falling properly onto the retinal surface.

Here are some conditions that bladeless LASIK surgery can address:

• Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a general condition that refers to those who can see near objects clearly while objects farther away are blurry.
• Hyperopia or farsightedness means patients can see far away but objects up close are blurry.
• Astigmatism results in overall blurry vision.

Bladeless LASIK Procedure

Here are the steps you can expect to take if you undergo bladeless LASIK eye surgery:

1. Initial screening exam. Our team will first conduct a basic screening examination to determine if you’re a good candidate for surgery. If you are, we'll schedule a more extensive evaluation.
2. Stop wearing your contact lenses. Your eyes need to be observed and measured in their natural state. If you’re currently wearing soft contacts, you’ll need to stop wearing them about 1 week prior to your second, comprehensive evaluation. If you wear rigid contacts, you’ll need to stop wearing them 2 weeks prior. We know this can be troublesome for those who wear contacts every day, but unfortunately, this is a necessary part of the process. You must allow time for your corneas to return to their natural shape.
3. Pre-op evaluation. At your pre-op exam, your doctor will perform an in-depth evaluation to ensure that you’re a good candidate for the procedure. During the exam, you’ll have several important tests including corneal thickness measurements, degree of refractive error, astigmatism, pupil size, etc. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions that could impact your surgery qualification, they’ll be discussed at this time.
4. 1 week before. Leading up to your procedure, it’s important to arrange for transportation to and from our office. You won't be able to drive immediately following the procedure.
5. On the day of surgery. While there aren’t eating or drinking restrictions before the procedure, we encourage you to have a light meal and wear comfortable clothes. Don’t wear makeup, perfume, jewelry, etc. The surgery takes only a few minutes and you won’t feel any discomfort.

Advantages and Disadvantages of IntraLase LASIK

As discussed, bladeless LASIK utilizes a laser to create a flap on the cornea. There are both positives and negatives to getting bladeless LASIK.

Pros of Bladeless LASIK

• Clearer and sharper vision than you’ve ever experienced
• The entire procedure only takes 15-20 minutes to complete
• Patients experience minimal discomfort and pain during the procedure
• The bladeless LASIK recovery time is fast and many people are able to return to work in as little as one day
• Increased safety as the thickness of the cornea that's cut is the same all around. This helps to dramatically reduce vision imperfections and safety concerns.

Cons of Bladeless LASIK

• Increased cost to complete the surgery because bladeless technology is significantly more advanced compared to less sophisticated procedures.

Is Bladeless LASIK Safe?

When it comes to safety, bladeless LASIK is proven to be safe and effective. However, bladeless LASIK offers significant advantages, such as a lower risk of developing corneal flap complications.

In some cases, LASIK patients require a second procedure. Surgeons refer to this as an “enhancement” or “touch-up” that's usually improved by the bladeless LASIK procedure.

Who Is a Candidate for IntraLase LASIK Surgery?

Ideal candidates for IntraLase Bladeless LASIK surgery are individuals seeking a precision-driven solution for vision correction. Some key characteristics of potential candidates include:

• They are at least 18 years old.
• They have had a stable prescription for at least a year.
• Their eye health is generally good, with no ocular diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts.
• They have a corneal thickness that is suitable for the procedure.
• They have a prescription that falls within the parameters to safely have the procedure.

How Much Is Bladeless LASIK?

The IntraLase bladeless LASIK cost, a highly precise vision correction surgery, can vary significantly based on a number of factors including your geographic location, the surgeon's experience, and the specific requirements of your procedure. On average, the LASIK price range could be anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 per eye in the United States. When asking, "How much does IntraLase LASIK cost?", it's crucial to consider the full scope of what this fee includes, like pre- and post-operative care, to ensure you're making an informed decision. We recommend consulting with your eye doctor or a LASIK clinic for the most accurate and current pricing.

How Can Bladeless LASIK Be Combined with Other Types of LASIK?

You can think of LASIK as a two-step process. The first creates the flap and the second reshapes the cornea. Flap creation is achieved using a femtosecond laser.

There are different options for corneal reshaping:

• Wavefront-optimized LASIK: Rather than only flattening the cornea, this approach maintains the natural curvature of your cornea.
• Wavefront-guided LASIK minimizes higher-order aberrations to produce higher quality vision.
• Topography-guided LASIK uses a topographer to map your cornea and show specific details that allow surgeons to deliver sharper vision.

The above options can be combined based on the expertise of your surgeon.

Conclusion

IntraLase Bladeless LASIK represents a breakthrough in vision correction, offering precision and efficiency unmatched by traditional methods. This all-laser LASIK procedure is tailored to the individual's unique eye structure, so it's a preferred choice for those seeking high-quality, personalized care.

If you're considering this revolutionary approach to performing LASIK surgery, the Kraff Eye Institute stands ready to help you take the next steps. Our experienced professionals and top-quality LASIK surgeons are committed to providing you with the best care and ensuring your comfort throughout the entire process. Don't wait to experience life with crystal clear vision. Contact us today to begin your journey toward visual freedom.