What Is IntraLase Laser Eye Surgery?

IntraLase LASIK, a blade-free vision correction surgery, could give clear, unobstructed vision. In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of IntraLase LASIK, comparing it to traditional LASIK.

We’ll weigh the pros and cons and address potential costs and complications. Whether you're seeking a safer, more precise alternative or simply curious about this procedure, we’ll provide you with the essential information to make an informed decision about your vision correction journey.

What is IntraLase LASIK?

Intralase LASIK or iLASIK is a blade-free vision correction surgery with high accuracy and low risk of severe complications. It uses wavefront technology to map the eye and an IntraLase® laser to create a corneal flap.

Similar to LASIK, iLASIK corrects refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. iLASIK is relatively quick and may take about 20 minutes to correct both eyes.

How Much Does IntraLase Cost? 

On average, expect to pay anything between $2,000 and $5,000 for both eyes. However, the price may vary depending on your location, the facility, and the type of surgeon you’re visiting.

There are also fewer eye doctors trained to perform IntraLase LASIK, driving the cost even higher.

How Does IntraLase Compare to Traditional LASIK?

Traditional LASIK uses a microkeratome blade to cut into the corneal flap. However, IntraLase LASIK uses a specialized laser called a femtosecond laser.

This laser uses tiny, ultra-fast pulses of light to create the corneal flap with extreme precision. Because the procedure is bladeless, it eliminates the risk of flap-related complications caused by bladed devices. It’s also much more precise and predictable. 

However, after the flap is created, both procedures are practically identical. They both use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea.

The Pros & Cons of Both Procedures

Both procedures offer great outcomes for improving your vision. The best way to determine which procedure is right for you is to weigh the pros and cons yourself.

These are the pros and cons of IntraLase LASIK:

Pros	Cons
Safer than traditional LASIK	Increased risk of corneal flap swelling
Faster recovery	Few doctors can do it
Customizable to every patient	More expensive than traditional LASIK
Reduced need for LASIK enhancement	Slightly longer procedure
Can be used on patients with thin corneas	May cause light sensitivity

These are the pros and cons of traditional LASIK:

Pros	Cons
Quick procedure	Risk of over or undercorrection
Immediate results	Risk of corneal flap complications
Perfect 20/20 vision	Risk of dry eyes
High success rate	Halos, glares, and other visual disturbances
Minimal pain and discomfort	Cannot prevent age-related vision changes

While traditional LASIK is a safe and effective procedure, iLASIK can provide a more comfortable and predictable experience. However, the cost of the procedure should still be considered.

Talk to an eye doctor or surgeon to determine which procedure is better for you. They’ll assess your condition, eye structure, and personal preference before giving you a recommendation suitable for your needs.

Complications of IntraLase Lasik

iLASIK has a high success rate, and complications are rare. Fortunately, most of these rare side effects can be treated with repeated surgery or medications.

Some potential complications of iLASIK include:

• Eye infection
• Decreased visual clarity
• Vision loss
• Flap healing problems
• Wrinkled flap
• Epithelial ingrowth
• Transient light sensitivity syndrome (TLSS), 

How to Get IntraLase LASIK?

First, look for a board-certified surgeon with extensive LASIK experience. They’ll thoroughly examine you to see if you qualify for the procedure.

Be sure to talk to them about the following:

• Previous eye surgeries
• Eye diseases such as cataracts may lead to complications
• Any medication you’re taking that may interfere with healing
• Any health issues such as diabetes that may affect the healing process

These conditions can affect the procedure's outcome. If you don’t qualify for iLASIK, your doctor may suggest other alternatives, such as Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).