• Step 1: a flap is created with a hand-held mechanical device that uses a surgical blade – a  microkeratome, then the flap of corneal tissue is folded back.

• Step 2: The Excimer laser removes a predetermined amount of tissue from the inner cornea. The cornea can be made flatter to treat nearsightedness, steeper to treat farsightedness and/or more spherical to correct astigmatism.

• Step 3: The corneal flap is placed back in its original position where it bonds without the need for stitches.

Although LASIK has been successful over the years, the microkeratome has been blamed for many of the reported  complications of LASIK.

With the Intralase Laser, the first step assures a safer procedure and an excellent result. The flap is created by replacing the hand-held microkeratome blade with a silent, computer-guided laser. The precision of the computer controlled laser creates a more accurate and consistent flap thickness reducing the risk of complication. This advanced technology allows the surgeon more control during the procedure.