How is “Blade-Free” LASIK different from traditional LASIK?
LASIK surgery is actually a 2-step process. First, a flap of corneal tissue must be created and then folded back. The cornea is the transparent dome-like structure that covers the iris and pupil of your eye. By creating a flap in the cornea, the surgeon is able to perform the laser vision correction treatment on the inner layer of the cornea, which practically eliminates any patient discomfort and allows for a rapid visual recovery. Traditionally, the surgeon created the corneal flap with a hand-held mechanical device, which utilizes a metal blade. This method has worked well over the years; however, the performance of these devices can be unpredictable. And although LASIK complications are rare, this mechanical device is frequently the source for many of the reported complications. With Blade-Free LASIK, the surgeon uses the precision of a laser to create the corneal flap. The accuracy of the laser (+/- 10 microns) is unparalleled by any other technology in vision correction surgery.
