Why Intralase?
LASIK (Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) has proven to be a very successful procedure, freeing millions of the daily dependence on glasses and contact lenses. Yet, while LASIK complications are rare, all surgery carries some degree of risk. Now, advances in laser technology have made it possible to significantly reduce the majority of LASIK complications. This advancement is known as IntraLase. IntraLase is the first blade-free laser technology for performing the critical first step in the LASIK procedure: creating the corneal flap. Prior to IntraLase, the first step was done manually using a hand-held device with an oscillating metal razor blade, called a microkeratome. IntraLase eliminates severe sight-threatening complications seen with the microkeratome, improving safety and precision while providing predictably better visual results for the patient. IntraLase is the most sophisticated and accurate technology for corneal flap creation available today and has given many patients greater confidence and assurance in choosing laser vision correction.

How does IntraLase change the LASIK procedure?
LASIK is actually a two-step process. In the first step, the surgeon creates a flap of corneal tissue and folds it back to prepare the eye for the second step, where an Allegretto Wave Excimer laser is used on the inner cornea to correct vision. This two-step process allows for rapid visual recovery with little or no patient discomfort. Traditionally, the corneal flap was created with a hand-held microkeratome blade. While this method has worked well over the years, the performance of these devices can be unpredictable and are frequently the source of a majority of LASIK complications. With IntraLase, the surgeon uses the precision of a computer-guided laser to create the corneal flap. IntraLase delivers micron-level accuracy over 100 times greater than that of a microkeratome, giving the surgeon more control during the procedure and the ability to establish precise dimensions and thickness of the corneal flap, factors which are critical to a successful LASIK outcome. This level of precision is unparalleled by any other technology, in vision correction surgery. IntraLase allows surgeons to tailor the corneal flap for each individual patient, and each individual eye. Because of its consistent accuracy, IntraLase may make LASIK a viable option even for the patients who previously didn't qualify, such as those with thin corneas.

Is this the same as the customized procedure I have heard so much about?
No. Custom LASIK generally refers to individualized visual diagnosis with technology called "wavefront", which allows for customized treatment with the excimer laser. There has never been a combination of technologies that have allowed for this type of personalized vision correction. The most exciting part is that while the patient has the opportunity for an optimized visual result, it can be done with the unprecedented safety and precision. Every patient's eyes are different and therefore need to be evaluated independently and treated uniquely. Now all steps of the laser vision correction procedure may be personalized to the individual: custom diagnosis with wavefront, personalized flap creation with IntraLase, and custom laser vision correction with custom ablation. The Allegretto Wave Excimer system is individualized correction with outstanding results. It is a faster treatment which enables the surgeon to not only reduce treatment time but to reduce the chance for a repeat procedure. Dr. DiStefano & Dr. Choi were among the first surgeons in the country to have the customized procedure available and among the few in the world to offer an all laser procedure to that treatment.

How do the visual outcomes using IntraLase compare with those of traditional LASIK with a microkeratome?
Clinical studies confirm that patients see better following IntraLase - initiated LASIK than with the hand-held microkeratome blade. More patients achieve 20/20 or better vision with the IntraLase-initiated LASIK. Patients stating a preference preferred the post-operative vision of their IntraLase-treated eye 3-to-1 over their blade-treated eye. IntraLase creates fewer high-and-low-order aberrations, though to be associated with glare and halos at night. IntraLase patients have a reduced incidence of post-operative dry eye symptoms. IntraLase patients required fewer enhancement procedures following LASIK. The precision of the IntraLase flap significantly reduces the incidence of post-operative induced astigmatism as compared with microkeratome-created flap.

Is IntraLase safer?
Yes, IntraLase improves the safety, precision and visual results of LASIK, whether you choose to have a standard or custom procedure. This is a result of the superior precision provided by the computer-guided IntraLase laser, as compared to that of a hand-held microkeratome, which houses a metal razor blade that cuts across the cornea to create the flap. In comparison, IntraLase uses the precision of a beam of light to create a laser flap without traveling across the cornea, virtually eliminating severe sight-threatening complications as a result. Its precision is the source of its safety. Accuracy of flap thickness has been demonstrated at +/- 10 microns. Precise flap thickness is critical to a successful LASIK outcome, and IntraLase flaps feature a consistent thickness from edge to edge. This degree of accuracy is unprecedented in flap creation technology to date. Flap stability is also an important factor, as the consequences of flap slippage can be quite problematic. IntraLase flaps provide added assurance and peace of mind for many patients.

Is traditional LASIK unsafe?
No, but IntraLase reduces the risk of complications reported with the microkeratome and has given many patients more confidence in choosing laser vision correction. Dr. DiStefano performed traditional LASIK on many thousands of area patients with great results. She considered the procedure safe enough for many members of her own family. So without a debt she feels traditional methods are excellent. Her desire was to have the best, most predictable all laser procedure available to her patients to ensure optimum results.

I have seen several advertisements for "All-Laser LASIK." Is this IntraLase?
Maybe. Contrary to popular belief, LASIK is not al "all-laser" procedure, due to the use of the microkeratome blade. Only LASIK procedures that use IntraLase can be considered "all-laser". Your doctor can explain the difference between other procedures that may be advertised as "all-laser," such as LASEK, PRK or epi-LASIK - all of which are surface ablation procedures. Because they are performed without creating a corneal flap, these procedures generally require longer healing time and frequently involve more discomfort and a delay in visual recovery.

Is IntraLase more expensive?
Yes. However, DiStefano Regional Eye Center prices have not gone up since Lasik's inception at the center many years ago. There is no added cost by having this technology available. Most patients agree that the added level of safety, assurance and predictably better vision offered by IntraLase and Allegretto Wave is worth the incremental cost. IntraLase surgeons are the leaders in the field of ophthalmology who continually evaluate advances in technology. They've determined that the IntraLase is the most sophisticated and accurate system available today for flap creation and have invested in the technology to sustain their superiority in patient care.

For more information on IntraLasik or any of the vision correction procedures available at the DiStefano Regional Eye Center, call 423-648-EYES (3937).