In any LASIK procedure it is necessary to create a corneal flap. This flap gives your doctor access to the underlying corneal tissue so it can be reshaped with an excimer laser to allow light to properly focus on the retina. Traditional LASIK methods involve using a hand-held blade (microkeratome) to make the corneal flap. At the Idaho Eye and Laser Center, we also use blade-free LASIK in Southeast Idaho to create the corneal flap in a faster, safer, and more precise manner. For this process we utilize the iFS® femtosecond laser.
The iFS laser separates corneal tissue for flap creation by generating energy that produces tiny bubbles at a precise depth. The flap is folded over so an excimer laser can reshape the underlying tissue. The entire process is based on Wavefront technology that gathers hundreds of eye measurements to create an extremely customized vision correction plan for your unique eyes.
Blade-free LASIK has many advantages over the traditional method:
- Stronger, more stable corneal flap
- Reduced risk of complications
- Faster visual recovery
- Accurate, reproducible incisions
- Exceptional safety
- Customization for each unique eye
