Richmond - IntraLase™ FS Laser

IntraLase FS Laser

The IntraLase™ FS Laser brings a new level of safety and assurance to vision correction surgery by providing an all-laser approach for optimal precision. Now, the accuracy of a computer-controlled laser may be used to create the corneal flap for LASIK, providing unprecedented control and the ability to customize the flap for each of our patients.

Traditionally, the creation of a corneal flap was performed with a mechanical, hand-held device (known as a microkeratome) which moved across the cornea to cut the flap.

With Intralase, the corneal flap is made
with a laser instead of a microkeratome

Because many LASIK complications are attributed to the unpredictable performance of the microkeratome, the new IntraLASIK™ all-laser surgical approach is being eagerly embraced across the US. Now, The IntraLase FS laser is a safer, computer-controlled alternative to a mechanical microkeratome for creating corneal flaps in the LASIK procedure. Although mechancical microkeratomes are relitively safe in the hands of a skilled surgeon, they can cause complications in 1 in 1000 to 2000 cases. Using the IntraLase FS Laser takes LASIK safety to the next level by significantly reducing the chance of having that rare complication.

LASIK using the IntraLase FS Laser is called IntraLASIK. To make the corneal flap with the IntraLase FS Laser, the laser beam is focused into a tiny spot of energy that passes harmlessly through the outer layers of the cornea until reaching its exact focal point within the central layer of the cornea. There the corneal flap procedure is initiated, silently and painlessly, with remarkable precision.

Why we've invested in the IntraLase™ FS Laser:

IntraLASIK provides our patients with an extra margin of safety by eliminating potential complications from mechanical microkeratomes.
IntraLASIK allows us to perform LASIK on patients with thin corneas because we can make a precise more shallow flap, which allows us to correct higher levels of refractive error.
IntraLASIK makes laser vision correction an all laser procedure, which significantly adds to its precision and predictability.
IntraLASIK also creates better fitting flaps. Once put back in place, these flaps form a tight seal, making flap dislocation after the procedure more difficult.
Studies have shown LASIK procedures enriched with IntraLase result in better quality vision by reducing the reported incidences of glares and haloes.
There are fewer repoted cases of dry eyes following IntraLase enriched LASIK than with traditional microkeratome initiated LASIK.

Why does the Navy allow Intralasik as it's ONLY form of LASIK?

Navy pilots must land jets on aircraft carriers under all conditions. This requires excellent vision. In 2006 the Navy permitted its pilots to undergo LASIK only if the flap was created with the Intralase laser. This decision was based on the following conclusions from extensive military clinical LASIK research:

Intralasik gives a quicker visual recovery than standard LASIK performed with a bladed microkeratome.
The quality of vision after Intralasik was superior to vision experienced after standard LASIK.

For more information about IntraLASIK, go to http://www.intralase.com/

*IntraLASIK proprietary software is offered exclusively by IntraLase Corp. IntraLase and IntraLASIK are trademarks of IntraLase Corp.