Is there a difference in the quality of corneal flaps created by IntraLase and traditional microkeratome?
The IntraLase flap follows the curvature of the cornea and produces a flap with vertical edges, unlike the edges left by a microkeratome. This difference in flap architecture may reduce the chance of corneal epithelial ingrowth, a potential complication of standard LASIK. IntraLase laser also avoids improper corneal flaps such as partial and “buttonholed” flaps, epithelial sloughing, corneal wrinkles and flaps that are too thick. IntraLase flaps appear to adhere more tightly to the corneal bed at the end of the procedure. Laser-made flaps demonstrate a more aggressive healing response at the edges compared with microkeratome-made flaps.
