IntraLase VS. Microkeratome

What is Microkeratome?

A microkeratome is a blade has been the standard method of cutting the corneal flap in LASIK since LASIK was first developed. The microkeratome blade is used to cut a flap that remains hinged on one side. The flap is laid back exposing the corneal tissue for shaping with the excimer laser.

Advantages and Disadvantages

With microkeratome, the LASIK treatment is continuous and faster: there is no need to move the patient from one laser instrument to another. In addition, less suction is necessary with the microkeratome procedure, and less inflammation occurs afterward.

While there are few complications resulting from LASIK surgery, the many of the complications result from cutting this flap. All of these are correctable. They include post-operative epithelial in-growth, aberrations resulting from healing the edges of the flaps, and dislocation of the flap post-operatively.

What Is IntraLase?

IntraLase is one of the more advanced systems in the field of LASIK. It makes the procedure much safer: IntraLase system makes use of the laser energy to remove the thin flap in the eye's cornea instead of the microkeratome.

Advantages and Disadvantages

By replacing the blade with the IntraLase laser, complications may or may be not reduced. The result is as predictable as the new microkeratome in corneal resection with customized excimer laser (LASIK) correction. Disadvantages include: longer procedure and more suction time.

Conclusion: with the new advancement in mikrokeratome technology, the Lasik flap has fewer complications if produced by the new microkeratome then with the Intralase.

The new mikrokeratomes like the "ML-7" we use at Beirut Lasik Center produce superior and safer results vx the Intralase as proven in many studies.