What is Intra-LASIK?
LASIK surgery involves the creation a corneal flap and reshaping the cornea according with a laser to the prescription. Typically, the corneal flap during LASIK has been created with what is known as a microkeratome blade. It is well documented that most of the risks and complications from LASIK surgery arise during the creation of the flap. However, unlike traditional LASIK, an IntraLase femtosecond laser is used to create the corneal flap. Eye surgeons swear by Intra-LASIK or what is now popularly known as “blade-free” LASIK. This technology goes by many names in ads including IntraLase, femtosecond laser, all laser, blade-free, bladeless, iLASIK and Intra-LASIK.

The Procedure – Pros and Cons
The obvious advantages of this much more precise Intra-LASIK procedure over the traditional microkeratome are that there is little to no possibility of corneal abrasion, thin flap, thick flap, partial flap, incorrect diameter or buttonhole flap. Also, because the flap is of uniform thickness from center to edge, there is a decreased chance of flap slippage or wrinkling if it is accidentally rubbed or bumped after surgery. Intra-LASIK is also believed to be ideal for far-sightedness, large pupils, moderate to high astigmatism and small corneal diameters where producing a large enough flap for treatment far into the periphery is critical.

The disadvantages of the Intra-LASIK approach include a greater chance of temporary eye redness. The procedure also takes more time than the traditional LASIK surgery and is more expensive.

Is Intra-LASIK Safer than LASIK?
Many surgeons maintain that Intra-LASIK is more precise and simply better than the traditional LASIK. Most LASIK complications are associated with the use of microkeratome blades. Thus, IntraLase is generally a safer method. Flap thickness varies greatly with microkeratome blades, would could affect the patient’s visual stability. In contrast, the IntraLase laser cuts the flap with more precision. In addition, microkeratomes have dramatically higher rates of epithelial ingrowths, visual aberrations and flap dislocation. The IntraLase laser is also completely sterile, presenting less risk for infection.

Although Intra-LASIK has not been studied in as much detail as traditional LASIK, there are reports of the same old problems related to traditional LASIK such as dry eyes or poor night vision with Intra-LASIK as well.

Filing a Malpractice Claim
If you are experiencing serious side effects as the result of an Intra-LASIK procedure, you have legal rights. If you have been unable to work or have lost your quality of life as a result of complications from laser eye surgery, including Intra-LASIK, you may be able to seek compensation to cover pain and suffering, lost earnings and other related damages. Please contact nationally recognized LASIK malpractice lawyer Todd J. Krouner at (914) 238-5800 or at info@krounerlaw.com to find out more about your options. Our law firm specializes in serious and catastrophic injuries caused by these laser eye surgery procedures.