LASIK FLAP CREATION – MICROKERATOME AND INTRALASE

LASIK eye surgery is a vision correction procedure that allows you to reduce your dependence on glasses and contact lenses. At King LASIK (formerly Clearly LASIK) we utilize the safest, most advanced surgical techniques and technologies to complete your laser eye surgery. During the procedure, our skilled surgeons use state-of-the-art equipment to accurately reshape your cornea, thereby eliminating the refractive error that prevents light from properly focusing on the retina. Please read the paragraphs below to learn more about the first part of LASIK eye surgery: the creation of the corneal flap.

CREATING THE CORNEAL FLAP

To create the corneal LASIK flap, the LASIK surgeon uses a handheld device or a laser to cut the top layers of corneal tissue at a pre-determined depth. One edge of the flap is left uncut, forming a hinge. Using the hinge, the surgeon folds back the flap to access the underlying corneal tissue. After the surgeon has reshaped the underlying corneal tissue, the corneal flap is returned to its original position, where it heals naturally.

At King LASIK we use one of two types of technologies to create the corneal flap, depending on which type of procedure is being performed. During traditional LASIK, we use either the Hansatome zero-compression microkeratome or the Zyoptix XP microkeratome. During an all-laser LASIK surgery, the IntraLase laser is used.

HOW IS THE INTRALASE METHOD PERFORMED?

IntraLase technology was specifically designed to create precise corneal flaps without cutting. In fact, the laser pulses are delivered below the surface of the cornea for reduced invasiveness. This is possible due to several features. First, the laser delivers ultra-fast pulses of light, creating microscopic bubbles at a precise depth determined by your surgeon. As it moves back across the eye, the laser creates several rows of bubbles. The bubbles are then stacked at the edges of the cornea at an angle based on the unique shape of your eye. The entire process takes less than 30 seconds and afterward, the surgeon is ready to gently lift the LASIK flap and begin the corneal reshaping process with the excimer laser.

At King LASIK, we are committed to using the most sophisticated LASIK technologies, in combination with our advanced training and years of experience, to provide you with accurate, safe and comfortable treatment. Offering more than one corneal flap creation technique allows us to tailor the procedure to your unique needs.

To learn about LASIK and determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, CLICK HERE to schedule your FREE laser eye surgery consultation.