Blade versus Bladeless LASIK?
When determining which laser eye surgery is right for you, it is best to discuss the health, safety, and clarity of your vision with your board-certified eye surgeon. Although LASIK is most notably one of the most popular laser eye surgeries, patients are surprised to learn there are blade and bladeless, (also known as all laser, ) options. The word blade may conjure up thoughts of harm to the eye but since its approval and inception in 1999 by the FDA, LASIK has been performed primarily with the blade option. In either case, the preparation and aftercare instructions are the same for both types of LASIK eye surgery.
The difference between blade versus bladeless LASIK differs only in the creation of the corneal flap. During LASIK, a flap is made via a circular incision on the surface of the cornea, leaving a portion untouched. This untouched strip serves as a hinge for the flap. The flap is then lifted and temporarily moved over to expose the underlying tissue. Laser energy is then used to reshape the eye to correct vision for refractive errors that include myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. While the excimer laser is used to correct vision, surgeons can either use a blade or bladeless option to create the hinged flap in the cornea. Blade LASIK utilizes a microkeratome blade, an oscillating surgical instrument that helps with precision. Bladeless LASIK uses a laser called an intralase femtosecond laser. As Since some candidates may be disqualified for traditional or blade LASIK, bladeless LASIK may create thinner corneal flaps allowing patients who were not previously candidates the opportunity to receive LASIK. The laser operates at an extremely high rate of speed allowing tissue to be divided at a molecular level without heat or damage to surrounding tissue.
Blade and bladeless LASIK are equitable options. Costs, recovery, safety, and patient satisfaction are relatively the same. Bladeless LASIK is considered to be more precise and may be inclusive of patients who are not good candidates for traditional LASIK such as patients with very thin corneas. Bladeless LASIK advantages also include more predictable flap sizes, better contrast sensitivity function, lower risk of dry eyes, and low risk of post-surgery abnormalities such as reduced night vision, stronger glares, and halos around bright lights. However, the successful outcome of any surgery is highly dependent on the skill of the surgeon. Be sure you are putting your eyes in the hands of someone with a high level of quality experience and expertise.
For your eye exam to help you decide which LASIK option is best for you, call Victoria Eye Center at 800-833-0234 or visit WEBSITE.