Lasik Vs Intralase Lasik - Which Surgery is Best for You?

There is now an alternative to traditional LASIK eye surgery called IntraLase LASIK. IntraLase LASIK was developed within the last few years in order to give patients clearer and more precise vision over traditional LASIK. The surgery is performed in an eye doctor's office just like traditional LASIK. However, there are a few key differences you should be aware of when deciding which type of LASIK surgery is best for you.

Traditional LASIK surgery is usually performed at an outpatient surgical center or at a LASIK surgeon's office. The operation is short; it usually takes less than an hour to perform. Eye surgery patients remain awake during the laser surgery in order to be aid the surgeon when he needs to move the eye. The procedure is painless; often the patient only suffers from a case of nerves.

IntraLase LASIK is often referred to as bladeless LASIK. Traditional LASIK had a significant element of risk due to improper flaps. During the IntraLase LASIK procedure the eye doctor uses a machine that utilizes high quality lasers which creates a smoother more precise flap through which the eye is manipulated. Proponents of IntraLase LASIK claim that the risk of damaged flaps is greatly reduced through the new procedure.

IntraLase LASIK is more time consuming than traditional LASIK eye surgery. Proponents of traditional LASIK argue that use of modern microkeratomes greatly reduce surgery time. When determining which treatment is best for you it is best to consider whether you can take a longer surgical procedure.

Many eye doctors will only perform IntraLase LASIK on patients with common vision complaints such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. Patients with more complicated vision problems are usually steered towards choosing the traditional LASIK option.

One of the advantages proponents use when arguing in favor of IntraLase LASIK is the fact that the procedure is bladeless and uses only lasers. Studies have shown that people have unfavorable reactions to the idea of blade use around their eyes. However, many eye doctors believe that the use of modern microkeratomes (blades) in traditional LASIK creates less discomfort for patients than IntraLase LASIK.

Recent published studies have shown that there are no clinically significant differences between the two types of LASIK surgeries. There are other studies which show that IntraLase LASIK has significantly fewer risks and greatly improves the quality of vision. Either type of LASIK eye surgery still reduces a patient's need for eye glasses or contact lenses. Traditional LASIK or IntraLase LASIK both improves patient's vision with few major complications.

Currently there has been no conclusive evidence regarding the effects of traditional LASIK versus IntraLase LASIK. The type of LASIK eye surgery that a patient chooses should ultimately be based on his needs and his eye surgeon's recommendations. Only a trained professional who is knowledgeable about your personal needs can best determine which surgery is best for you.

Another factor in having a successful LASIK procedure rests upon which LASIK procedure your eye surgeon prefers to use. An experienced professional who is performing a procedure that he is comfortable greatly reduces the risk of complications. Be sure to have a long talk with your LASIK surgeon before deciding to determine which procedure is right for both of you.