What to Know About Blade-free iLASIK

Most people with refractive errors can achieve clear vision through corrective eyewear. However, many would prefer a permanent and more convenient solution. LASIK surgery uses the latest techniques to significantly reduce or eliminate a patient’s need for corrective eyewear.

LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK means laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses. It is a laser refractive surgical procedure to correct vision problems and an excellent alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses. During the process, an eye surgeon uses a particular type of cutting laser to precisely change the cornea’s shape to improve vision.

The cornea refracts light directly onto the retina in eyes with normal vision. With farsightedness, nearsightedness, or myopia, the light refracts incorrectly, leading to blurred vision. Corrective eyewear can improve your vision, but reshaping the cornea will provide a more permanent solution.

Difference Between Blade and Bladeless LASIK

Are you looking to correct your eyesight through LASIK eye surgery? If so, you are probably wondering whether to take the bladeless or blade procedure. LASIK blade surgery is when the process employs a microkeratome, an instrument with an oscillating blade.

The blade creates a thin, hinged flap in the cornea, which sounds excruciating. However, the procedure is not painful. Under the hands of a skilled and experienced professional, you will not feel a thing.

Blade-free iLASIK surgery employs a femtosecond laser instead of an oscillating blade to create corneal flaps. Other than that, these two processes are similar. Your ophthalmologist will help you determine the best option for you.

Are You a Good Candidate for iLASIK?

By altering your cornea, iLASIK can correct astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. You are probably a good candidate for this procedure if you suffer from refractive errors.

However, it would help to remember that LASIK surgery reshapes the inner tissues of the cornea. So, you may not be an ideal candidate if your corneas are too thin. Your ophthalmologist will perform an in-depth examination of your eyes to determine your candidacy. You can explore alternative laser treatments if LASIK is unsuitable for any reason.

The Procedure

Your ophthalmologist will closely examine your corneas before surgery to determine precisely where reshaping should occur. The procedure will begin with applying a numbing agent to the eye. That will ensure you are comfortable throughout the process. You may feel slight pressure or nothing at all during treatment.

Next, your doctor will create a flap in the surface of your cornea using a special laser and lift the flap to access the corneal tissues. The doctor will reshape your cornea as needed using a second laser before lowering the corneal flap. No sutures are necessary to facilitate healing. The procedure takes about 15 minutes for both eyes.

Benefits

The most significant benefit of blade-free iLASIK is the correction of refractive errors. Most patients experience 20/20 vision or better. Blade-free iLASIK provides additional benefits, such as:

• Faster recovery
  
  

• It is safer than LASIK blade surgery
  
  

• Reduced chances of complications
  
  

• Advanced precision

Conclusion

The procedure is virtually painless, with quick results. Most people who undergo blade-free iLASIK emerge from the procedure with excellent eyesight. They no longer need eyeglasses or contact lenses.

For more on blade-free iLASIK, visit Maple Eye and Laser Center at our office in White Plains or Manhattan, New York. Call 914-948-5157 to schedule an appointment today.