Laser Eye Surgery Articles                

IntraLase, the new wonder treatment.........12th Aug 2009

IntraLase gained FDA approval in the USA in 2001, and many improvements to this procedure have been made since then.

IntraLase really is laser-only eye surgery, as it employs two lasers to perform surgery, and does not utilise a microkeratome to create the corneal flap.

Having made the decision to undergo treatment, it is vital that you carry out lots of research, not just into your existing eye condition, but into the various procedures and the sort of facilities available.

It is advisable to contact more than one eye clinic explaining that you are enquiring about an eye operation and requesting information about the available procedures, particularly IntraLase, and you would like to look around the clinic.

You will find the eye clinic staff are particularly helpful and are very keen to show prospective patients their facilities.

Of course, the most important thing is to find a surgeon who is not only reputable and skilful, but one with lots of experience in all the aspects of lasik surgery.

During your research you will probably have come across the term "bladeless lasik", and that is precisely what the IntraLase procedure is.

Two lasers are used, the first is called the Femtosecond Laser and the second is the Excimer Laser. During an eye operation the surgeon employs computer software to guide the lasers.

The Femtosecond is the laser that initially creates the corneal flap, and, as the flap is laser-created, this enables it to be very fine. In view of the flexibility of the Femtoseond Laser, the creation of the corneal flap is extremely accurate.

The Excimer Laser, actually treats the exposed eye surface, removing tissue to alter the shape of the cornea.

The corneal flap is put back into position following treatment and acts as a natural bandage to assist the healing process. The IntraLase Femtosecond Laser can be used with any recommended type of Excimer Laser.

The advent of IntraLase means that some patients who were previously unable to have a lasik surgery, possibly due to their cornea being exceptionally thin, can now have an all-laser eye operation.

IntraLase might also be suitable for patients who have already had some form of lasik surgery. In view of the expertise of the IntraLase procedure, it is one of the most expensive forms of eye operation. However, it is now normal practice for an eye clinic to offer a financial package to patients.

Each eye clinic has its own method of operating these financial packages, some offer zero or low interest loans, whereas others will require a deposit followed by regular monthly payments. Prior to any surgery, you will have a consultation in the eye clinic with the surgeon.

It is absolutely necessary at this stage that you are very honest about the state of your general health and also advise the surgeon of any medication you take on a regular basis. He or she will carry out a thorough examination of your eyes and then inform you if you are suitable for this kind of eye operation.

The available procedures should all be explained to you, and your surgeon will advise which they consider to be the best option for you.