Advanced iLASIK™ and Blade-free LASIK (IntraLASIK) for Enhanced Vision - Serving the Boston Area
Though conventional LASIK eye surgery has helped millions of people achieve clearer, sharper vision, there are still many other LASIK candidates who have not undergone the procedure. Undoubtedly, many of those who are eligible remain untreated because they are apprehensive about the mechanical blade, or microkeratome, used during the procedure. Thankfully, our Boston-area practice offers our Massachusetts and New Hampshire patients blade-free LASIK and iLASIK™, two state-of-the-art procedures that do not require the use of a microkeratome. By using ultra-precise lasers and advanced computer software, patients can undergo safe, effective refractive surgery without the risks associated with a mechanical blade.
Blade-free LASIK (IntraLASIK)
Blade-free LASIK, also known as IntraLASIK, offered at our Boston practice is an exceptional alternative to traditional LASIK surgery. The main difference between the two procedures is the manner in which the corneal flap is created: whereas the normal LASIK procedure requires the use of a mechanical blade, blade-free LASIK creates the flap with an accurate, computer-controlled IntraLase® laser. And, because of the exceptional precision and safety of blade-free LASIK, patients who are ineligible for traditional LASIK surgery with a microkeratome may be good candidates for IntraLASIK.
IntraLase® Technology
The outstanding results and safety for which blade-free LASIK is revered is, in large part, due to IntraLase® technology. The IntraLase® system consists of two components: the IntraLASIK software and a precision laser. IntraLASIK software allows our surgeons to input the exact position, width, depth, and type of cut to meet the patient's unique needs. Using this data, the computer guides the IntraLase® laser to create a precise corneal flap.
The Blade-Free LASIK Procedure
The blade-free LASIK procedure begins with the creation of the corneal flap, approximately the size of a small button. The computer-guided laser focuses its beam on a pinpointed location beneath the surface of the cornea in order to create a perforation from the inside out. Operating at an amazing speed of one quadrillion pulses every second, the IntraLase® laser creates countless microscopic bubbles. These layers of bubbles link together to create the corneal flap, which the surgeon will lift back to access the corneal tissue. The entire flap-making portion of the blade-free LASIK procedure takes only about 30 seconds.
After the corneal tissue is exposed, an excimer laser is used to reshape the tissue to eliminate any corneal irregularities.
The increased accuracy and precision of using lasers instead of a microkeratome to make the flap works to eliminate the majority of flap-related complications associated with traditional LASIK. Contact New England Eye Center today to learn more about this groundbreaking procedure.
iLASIK™
The New England Eye Center is proud to be one of the first practices in the Boston area to offer iLASIK™. Approved by NASA to correct vision for its own astronauts and the United States Department of Defense for its Air Force and Navy pilots, the iLASIK™ procedure is one of the most exciting developments in bladeless laser vision correction. Our surgeons are excited to offer safe, precise laser vision correction treatments with successful results.
Two Procedures, Superior Vision Correction
The revolutionary iLASIK surgery is able to achieve excellent all-laser vision correction results by combining two unique procedures, IntraLASIK and Custom LASIK. The iLASIK™ procedure joins the safety and precision of IntraLASIK corneal flap creation with the customization and superior results of Custom LASIK ablation. This combination has proven to be immensely successful in helping patients achieve 20/20 vision or better.
The iLASIK™ Procedure
The first step of the iLASIK™ procedure is the mapping of the eye using WaveScan® technology. WaveScan® technology can be used to create a three-dimensional map that allows our surgeons to identify the corneal imperfections wholly unique to each patient's eye. The data from the WaveScan® map is subsequently entered into the computer that guides the excimer laser.
After the eyes are mapped, the IntraLase® laser is used to create the corneal flap. The use of a computer-guided laser to create the button-sized flap makes this portion of the procedure exceptionally safe and precise. The vast majority of patients who undergo the IntraLASIK procedure are able to avoid any of the complications associated with flaps made with the mechanical microkeratome.
During the final step of iLASIK™, the patient undergoes Custom LASIK. Using the measurements taken from the three-dimensional WaveScan® map, the computer guides the laser to make pinpoint corrections in the corneal tissue.
Interested in iLASIK™ or Blade-free LASIK? Contact Our Boston-area Practice
At New England Eye Center, we strive to bring the latest advancements in vision correction to our Boston-area patients. By offering blade-free LASIK and iLASIK™, our patients can undergo vision-enhancing procedures that offer unparalleled safety and exceptional results. Patients who are hesitant to undergo a surgery that requires a mechanical blade can now put their fears aside and achieve the crisp, clear vision they deserve. Learn more about blade-free LASIK and iLASIK™ by contacting our practice today.
