Laser Vision Correction

What is IntraLase?
LASIK surgery is a two-step process. First, the surgeon must gain access to your cornea by creating a flap of tissue. The tissue is then folded back and the surgeon is able to perform laser vision correction treatment on the inner layer of the cornea.

Traditionally, the surgeon has created the corneal flap with a hand-held mechanical device (known as a microkeratome), which utilizes a surgical blade. This method has worked well over the years; however, the performance of these devices can be unpredictable. And although LASIK complications are rare, this mechanical device is frequently the source for many of the reported complications.

With the IntraLase laser, the surgeon uses the precision of a laser to create the corneal flap. The accuracy of the laser (100 times more accurate than a blade) is unparalleled by any other technology in vision correction surgery. This advanced technology allows the surgeon more control during the procedure, and even allows customization of the corneal flap for every individual patient. Because of its consistent accuracy, IntraLase now makes it possible to treat many patients who were dismissed as candidates for laser vision correction due to thin corneas.

How Does IntraLase Work?
The IntraLase FS laser uses infrared light to precisely cut tissue by a process known as photodisruption. Specialized software directs the process of focusing the laser beam into a tiny, 2-3 micron spot of energy. The beam passes harmlessly through the outer layers of the cornea until it reaches its exact focal point within the central part of the cornea (known as the stroma). Upon reaching this focal point, the beam forms a microscopic bubble of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Thousands of these bubbles are placed at a precisely controlled depth to define a dissection plane. By using the rapidly fired IntraLase laser and interconnecting the bubbles very tightly the surgeon can create a corneal flap with remarkable precision and accuracy.

IntraLase Benefits for You:
IntraLase is Uniquely Safe
LASIK performed with a mechanical microkeratome has produced excellent results with few complications. However, the IntraLase laser has further reduced potential surgical/LASIK complications - specifically, the IntraLase allows for fewer case interruptions and fewer abnormally thick or thin flaps. IntraLase also helps preserve specified amounts of corneal tissue.

IntraLase is Uniquely Accurate
One of the key features of the IntraLase FS laser is its ability to create flaps of a specified thickness. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the thickness of flaps created with the IntraLase are significantly more precise than those created with a mechanical microkeratome. This precision allows CVCC surgeons to more accurately plan your surgery.

Predictably Better Vision
Numerous national studies have demonstrated the ability of the IntraLase FS laser to deliver better visual outcomes than those achievable with mechanical microkeratome LASIK. Specifically, it has been shown that the IntraLase delivers superior post-operative visual acuity and an overall reduction in higher-order aberrations.

For more information call CVCC:
503-494-EYES (3937) or 1-800-842-EYES (3937)
Visit our website:
www.caseyvision.org

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