What is IntraLase?

There are two ways to create the corneal flap when you have LASIK. The standard way is to create the flap with a microkeratome blade. The second way to create the corneal flap is with a femtosecond laser called IntraLase. This laser makes it possible to have bladeless LASIK.

The Intralase laser is a silent, computer-guided laser used during the first step of the LASIK procedure to create the corneal flap. In bladeless LASIK, the laser forms a layer of air bubbles which creates a customized flap of uniform thickness.

The benefits of using the IntraLase laser to create the corneal flap include:

• Surgeons can treat a wider variety of patients, including patients with thinner corneas
  
• Eliminates the hand-held microkeratome blade, giving you an 'all laser' procedure
  
• IntraLase creates a more uniform flap which is thinner and more predictably consistent and stable than with a microkeratome flap.