| The introduction of laser eye surgery a number of | | | | much reduced risk of the corneal flap being displaced |
| years ago - first via the PRK procedure and then | | | | - a complication which can arise with the |
| using LASIK (an acronym for Laser Assisted In-situ | | | | microkeratome operation. IntraLase creates a distinct |
| Keratomileusis) - marked a major step forward in | | | | beveled edge to the flap, enabling precise |
| vision correction without having to wear eyeglasses | | | | repositioning and alignment after the procedure. This |
| or contact lenses. | | | | results in optimal healing of the cornea following the |
| Whilst the LASIK procedure has proven very popular | | | | operation. |
| with millions of successful operations carried out | | | | The IntraLase operation is also quicker than traditional |
| around the world, there has always been a slight risk | | | | LASIK - depending on the laser used, typically 30 |
| of an unsuccessful operation or of complications. | | | | seconds per eye as opposed to around one minute. |
| These risks are primarily associated with the first | | | | This has the benefit of greater comfort and less |
| stage of the operation in which a hand-held | | | | worry for the patient. |
| microkeratome blade is used to create a corneal flap. | | | | With regard to outcome of the procedure, results of |
| This flap is of vital importance to the overall success | | | | clinical studies indicate that IntraLase patients have |
| of the operation. If it is too thick or too thin or | | | | better resultant vision than those who underwent |
| incorrectly shaped it could adversely affect the | | | | the traditional LASIK procedure employing a manual |
| quality of vision. | | | | blade technique. The following are some of the |
| Advances in laser technology have now made it | | | | benefits: |
| possible to reduce the risks associated with LASIK | | | | - More patients achieved 20/20 or better vision |
| eye surgery through a procedure known as | | | | - Reduced frequency of post-operative night-time |
| IntraLase. The IntraLase procedure performs the | | | | glare and halos |
| first crucial part of the operation without use of a | | | | - Reduced incidence of dry eye symptoms |
| blade and as such improves on the safety, precision | | | | - Fewer enhancement procedures needed following |
| and outcome of traditional LASIK surgery. | | | | the initial operation |
| With IntraLase, the corneal flap is created by the | | | | - Reduced frequency of induced astigmatism after |
| surgeon using a computer-guided laser with great | | | | the operation |
| precision, enabling the surgeon to have exact control | | | | - Patient satisfaction much higher in those expressing |
| over its dimensions. Accuracy is achievable within the | | | | a preference |
| range +/-10 microns. The result being that the flap | | | | The cost of an IntraLase operation is higher than |
| can be tailored to meet the precise needs of each | | | | that of traditional LASIK eye surgery. About a 20% |
| individual patient. It even means that patients who | | | | increase has been quoted. However the added |
| aren't suitable candidates for traditional LASIK due to | | | | degree of safety combined with the promise of |
| having corneas that are too thin, can now benefit | | | | better vision is persuading increasingly more laser eye |
| from the operation. | | | | surgery patients to opt for IntraLase. |
| Furthermore, by using IntraLase LASIK there is a | | | | |