What is Bladeless LASIK?

Bladeless LASIK is an all-laser LASIK technique. Traditionally, a microkeratome blade is used to create the corneal flap in the procedure. The bladeless technique uses a laser to create the flap. The most common bladeless system is IntraLase or iLASIK.

The bladeless technique was introduced in 1999. IntraLase was FDA approved in 2001. All-laser procedures were touted as being suitable for people with thin corneas, and the technique was also associated with a decrease in flap-related complications.

The bladeless difference is a matter of LASIK technology. In addition to the excimer laser used to reshape your cornea, a second laser – called a femtosecond laser – is used in IntraLase.

IntraLase lets many people who were not previously LASIK candidates undergo the procedure. Some people cannot receive LASIK because of steep corneas; all-laser techniques often enable eye surgeons to create flaps in thin corneas. Bladeless LASIK also may reduce the risks of certain complications associated with a microkeratome. These rare risks include buttonhole-shaped flaps, detached flaps, and partial flaps. While these complications are possible, they are also extremely rare, occurring in less than one percent of LASIK surgeries. Both techniques have achieved improved vision for millions of LASIK patients.

To find out more about LASIK and the various techniques, please contact an experienced LASIK eye surgeon in your area.