FREQUENTLY ASKED INTRALASIK QUESTIONS

Why should I consider IntraLASIK?
Traditional LASIK is an excellent procedure. In fact, Dr. William Boothe has performed more than 99,000 LASIK procedures with the traditional approach and technology. While the risks of complications are very minimal, all surgery carries some degree of risk. Now, an advanced laser technology is available that significantly reduces the risk of complications. It is known as IntraLASIK. This is the first all-laser, blade-free LASIK procedure. It further reduces the risk of complication and gives patients a new level of confidence in vision correction surgery.

How is IntraLASIK different from traditional LASIK?
LASIK surgery is actually a two-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 the eye. By creating a flap in the cornea, Dr. Boothe 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 rapid visual recovery.

Traditionally, Dr. William Boothe created the corneal flap with a handheld mechanical device that has a metal blade called a microkeratome. Although this method worked well, the performance of these devices could be unpredictable. Although LASIK complications are extremely rare, this mechanical device is frequently the source for many of the reported complications.

With IntraLASIK, Dr. Boothe uses the precision laser to create the corneal flap. The accuracy of the laser (+/- 10 microns) is unparalleled by any other technology in vision correction surgery. This advanced technology gives Dr. Boothe unprecedented control, and even allows him to customize the corneal flap for each individual patient. Because of its consistent accuracy, IntraLASIK now makes it possible to treat many patients who were once dismissed as candidates for laser vision correction due to thin corneas.

Is IntraLASIK safer?
IntraLASIK is considered by many to provide a safer approach to laser vision correction surgery. This is a result of the superior precision of a computer-controlled laser as compared to that of a handheld mechanical device. The mechanical device houses a metal blade, which cuts across the cornea to create the flap. IntraLASIK accomplishes the flap procedure with a laser instead of a blade. Plus, it does not travel across the cornea. These features reduce the possible risk of complications.

IntraLASIK’s precision was documented in studies conducted for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of the laser, where the accuracy of flap thickness was demonstrated at plus or minus 10 microns. Precise flap thickness is essential to a successful LASIK outcome, and flaps created by IntraLASIK feature a consistent thickness from edge to edge. Again, this degree of accuracy is unprecedented in flap creation technology to date. Finally, greater flap stability was also demonstrated with IntraLASIK flaps in studies for the laser’s FDA submission. Although the incidence of flap slippage is rare in LASIK, the consequences can be problematic. The assurance that the IntraLASIK created flap will be securely repositioned without incident provides added peace of mind for many patients.

Is traditional LASIK unsafe?
No, but IntraLASIK seems to reduce the risk of complications reported with traditional LASIK.

Is IntraLASIK new? How is Dr. Boothe able to offer IntraLASIK when other doctors in the area do not?
The IntraLase FS Laser has been cleared by the FDA and became commercially available on a limited basis in 2001. The IntraLase FS Laser is the only laser that provides IntraLASIK. Dr. Boothe is among an elite group of key opinion-leaders in ophthalmology who continually evaluate advanced technologies and adopt them into practice as soon as they become available.

How would you compare the visual outcomes using IntraLASIK with those of traditional LASIK?
Today, it is known that visual outcomes with IntraLASIK are comparable with those of traditional LASIK. Studies are now underway to evaluate whether results with IntraLASIK might be even better, as has been reported anecdotally.

There are several advertisements for all-laser LASIK. Is this the same as IntraLASIK?
Be sure to ask for IntraLASIK by name. Only IntraLASIK offers the safety of micron-level precision of a truly all-laser surgical approach. Other providers may advertise all-laser, but patients should ensure that IntraLASIK is indeed being used to create the corneal flap.

Is IntraLASIK more expensive?
Advanced technologies are usually more expensive for the surgeon to employ in his practice. Most patients agree that the added level of safety and assurance offered by IntraLASIK is well worth the additional cost that may be incurred when considering vision correction surgery.

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