Before our Houston laser eye surgeons can utilize the excimer laser to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism) through LASIK, the upper layer of the corneal tissue has to be opened.
Traditionally, a microkeratome blade was used to create this important corneal flap. IntraLase® technology provides a less invasive, computer-controlled approach to the important first step in LASIK surgery. Intralase’s® femtosecond laser emits 10,000 pulses per second of 1,053-nm infrared light with an extremely small spot size. One of the major advantages of this laser is that it avoids collateral tissue damage.
By harnessing this power, the IntraLase® FS femtosecond laser’s low energy can pass through the outer layer of the cornea unabsorbed, except at the point of its focus. This allows our laser eye surgeons in Houston, Texas to customize the flap by choosing the most appropriate flap diameter, flap thickness and hinge placement.
Dry eye is a common complaint after LASIK surgery. With IntraLase®, this side effect is greatly reduced. In fact, in a comparison study of 300 cases performed with IntraLase® and 300 cases performed with a microkeratome, 55 percent of patients whose flaps were made with the microkeratome reported this condition compared to only 15 percent of IntraLase® patients.
With IntraLase®, concerns about tight eyelids or deep-set eyes are eliminated because the surgeon does not need a lid speculum to keep the eye open. IntraLase® uses a small suction device that fits on most everyone’s eyes. In fact, with IntraLase®, our Houston laser eye surgeons are now able to potentially create an even larger treatment zone which has benefits in reducing night-time glare and halos.
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