What Blade-Free LASIK Really Means
Does a blade-free LASIK procedure still cut any part of the eye? Although no blade is used, a laser cuts a thin flap in the cornea. For many people, the idea of a sharp object piercing through any part of the body is indeed a common concern when considering surgery, particularly due to the fear of pain, complications and scarring. In procedures like LASIK, the worry over vision loss or post-surgery complications also rates high. Traditional LASIK was first introduced in the 1990s using a mechanical blade called a microkeratome to create the corneal flap. Blade-free LASIK made its debut about a decade later in 2001 when the femtosecond laser became available. While both methods are equally effective in achieving vision correction, blade-free LASIK is considered a more advanced, precise technique.
What blade-free LASIK really means is the emphasis on the fact that no physical blade is involved in creating the flap in the cornea, the key component in differentiating LASIK from other refractive eye surgeries. Blade-free use reduces the risk of complications by eliminating the probability of uneven cuts or flap issues. The use of the femtosecond laser allows for more controlled, customized and accurate flap creation which enhances safety and likelihood that your desired outcome will be achieved.
A femtosecond laser gets its name due to how it operates-by emitting ultrafast bursts of light energy measured in femtoseconds, which is one quadrillionth of a second. This laser energy targets the cornea at a specific depth, creating a series of microbubbles beneath the surface of the cornea. These microscopic gas bubbles form a smooth, uniform layer that separates the corneal tissue to create a flap. The flap allows the surgeon to lift and fold back the epithelium (the thin outer layer of the cornea) to expose the stroma (the thick, middle layer of the cornea responsible for maintaining the cornea’s shape). The cornea is reshaped with the laser and the flap is used as a natural bandage to help the eye heal during recovery. Because this process does not require heat, it also reduces the risk of damage to nearby cells. While the femtosecond laser is widely used for LASIK, it has applications beyond LASIK with other ophthalmologic procedures such as cataract surgery, corneal transplant surgery and intraocular lens placement.
Blade-free LASIK offers improved accuracy and more reliable safety standards to significantly improve vision. If you are looking for safer surgery, faster recovery and better visual outcomes, discuss blade-free LASIK with your doctor. Victoria Eye Center offers a variety of procedure options to help you achieve clear vision. Call 800-833-0234 today or learn more at WEBSITE.