Bladeless Lasik

Bladeless LASIK, was a huge leap forward for laser eye surgery. Using the IntraLase® laser, this was the first blade-free laser technology for performing the critical first step of the LASIK procedure: creating the flap in the cornea. This type of laser replaces the previously necessary hand-held microkeratome blade with the computer-guided precision of a laser and makes the laser eye surgery completely laser-based.

Conventional LASIK Process

There are two main steps to the laser eye surgery procedure. The first step the surgeon will cut a small flap in the cornea using either a hand held blade or a laser. Then the excess corneal tissue will be removed and the shape of the eye will be made in a more rounded shape. This is how laser eye surgery works to improve vision.

Bladeless LASIK Process

This process doesn't involve the hand held blade and is usually slightly faster. The IntraLase® laser, for example, uses an infrared beam of light to create the flap from below the surface of the cornea using an "inside-out" process.

STEP ONE TOTAL TIME: 45 SECONDS

The beam of light from the laser is focused on a pre-defined point on the cornea and a sting of microscopic bubbles are formed.

The bubbles will outline and define the flap's dimensions and distinct beveled edge, as well as location of the hinge where the area will be "opened" and the excess tissue is removed.

The flap is then opened and the excess tissue is quickly excised. The flap is repositioned exactly after this process and will fit perfectly due to the bubbles having previously created a beveled edge.