Intralase^®

Bennett & Bloom Eye Centers is pleased to offer IntraLasik® All Laser LASIK in additional to LASIK with a mechanical microkeratome. By offering both methods of flap creation for LASIK, we can choose the procedure that will provide you the safest, most accurate treatment based on your individual condition.

IntraLasik has been touted as “safe” and as having better visual results than LASIK performed with a mechanical microkeratome. This is true only in certain cases. Overall, we find both methods to be equally as safe, because Dr. Bennett and his surgical team are so experienced. IntraLasik and LASIK have different sets of advantages and disadvantages.

In IntraLasik the flap is created by the IntraLase® FS (femtosecond) laser. After a suction ring is applied to the eye and attached, the laser produces thousands of pulses at a predetermined depth in the cornea. Each pulse creates a microplasma of rapidly expanding gas that separates the surrounding tissue. Once the laser pattern has been completed, a special spatula is used to lift the flap. Finally, an excimer laser is used to gently reshape the corneal tissue to correct the vision, just as with LASIK.

IntraLasik is best suited for patients with thinner corneas or those with higher degrees of nearsightedness who require deeper laser ablations. Since IntraLasik predictably produces thinner flaps, there is more tissue left for treatment. Additionally, IntraLasik allows us to treat patients with very steep corneas, those for whom we cannot use a microkeratome to create a flap.

IntraLasik cannot be used to treat patients with narrow palpebral fissures—eyes that cannot open widely. It also cannot treat patients with significant corneal scars. As with all procedures, IntraLasik does have its risks. Fortunately, these risks are small (less than 1%) and most complications are minor and easily treated without vision loss.

At Bennett & Bloom Eye Centers we take great care in evaluating all patients to determine which, if any, vision correction procedure is right for you. That way we can help you achieve the outstanding visual results that match your lifestyle.