Posted by: LaserVue LASIK & Cataract Center in Category: LASIK
In your research on LASIK, you may have come across the terms “blade” and “bladeless” LASIK.
Below, we explore why we use bladeless LASIK.
Blade LASIK is the original version of LASIK, wherein a microkeratome—a tool with an oscillating blade—is used for the first step of the LASIK procedure, the corneal flap creation.
Bladeless LASIK is the natural progression of the procedure, wherein a computer-controlled laser is used to “cut” the corneal flap.
So, why does LaserVue use bladeless LASIK?
1. Safety
Above all other things, LaserVue values the safety of its patients.
We believe that all-laser LASIK is the safest option for our patients.
When it comes to complications due to the LASIK procedure, there have been a number of studies which have shown that all-laser LASIK may reduce the overall number of complications by a significant amount.
One of LASIK’s complications, as with any surgery, is the risk of infection. All-laser LASIK removes the need for a microkeratome (blade tool) to touch the eye and possibly push material and/or bacteria into the eye.
Other complications that may arise surround the strength and quality of the corneal flap, which is created to access and alter the cornea. This flap may be less weakened when created by a laser, due in large part to the laser’s precision.
2. Precision
Precision is the second reason that we use all-laser LASIK at LaserVue.
We believe that the precision offered by the advanced laser technology provides a number of benefits to our patients.
First and foremost, all-laser LASIK allows for the removal of an oscillating blade controlled via suction. Instead, a much more sophisticated computer-controlled laser uses advanced software to precisely cut the corneal flap at the desired depth.
The femtosecond laser—named because it pulses at intervals of one quadrillionth of a second—is able to target the tissue of the cornea at a molecular level. Further, the laser can target tissue so precisely as to not affect surrounding areas, making for an extremely clean cut. The result is the separation of a corneal flap with a degree of precision that we believe is not possible with a microkeratome.
The precision of the femtosecond laser allows for very thin corneal flaps. This is important because it allows a wider range of patients to undergo LASIK, as corneal thickness can be a condition for candidacy.
Further, the flap itself can be created in such a way that reduces the potential for further complications.
- Laser-created flaps have better-defined edges versus blade-created flaps, which are generally thinner and have the potential to tear easier.
- Flaps can be crafted to the unique dimensions of the patient’s cornea. Corneas are generally oval-shaped—the laser can be programmed to cut the best possible shape.
- The angles of the edges, the size of the hinge, and the depth of the cut can all be precisely controlled.
3. Quality
Quality is the third and final reason we use all-laser LASIK at LaserVue.
We believe that all-laser LASIK results in overall better quality of vision for our patients.
Microkeratomes have been known to cut uneven flap edges. This irregular corneal surface could result in astigmatism, reducing a patient’s quality of vision.
Metal blades have also been known to cause “buttonhole” flaps, which are malformed flaps that may result in uncorrectable loss to visual acuity. Though it is an uncommon complication, a malformed flap can be a serious risk to the quality of a patient’s vision.
Interested in All-Laser LASIK?
Safety, precision, and quality are three values that LaserVue strives to deliver to our patients every day. Our decades’ worth of experience allows us to identify the technologies and techniques that will uphold these values. All-laser LASIK is a tool that, we believe, delivers an excellent LASIK surgery experience.
So, if you’re interested in all-laser LASIK in the Bay Area, get in touch with LaserVue today. We can help you identify the right path to take to achieve your personal best vision.
Call us at (800) 527-3745 or fill out the form below to get in touch with us and learn more about LASIK. We’ll respond as soon as possible!
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