Blade vs bladeless lasik.
All laser lasik vs blade.
Femtosecond laser systems often are marketed as bladeless or all laser lasik although eye surgeons favoring more traditional microkeratomes might argue that both procedures involve penetrating the eye s surface.
Other complications that may arise surround the strength and quality of the corneal flap which is created to access and alter the cornea.
In traditional lasik a surgeon uses a microkeratome blade a small specially designed ophthalmic device to cut a flap into the cornea the clear part at the very front of the eye.
Blade lasik is performed using a specialized tool called a microkeratome a precision surgical instrument with an oscillating blade that cuts a thin hinged flap in the cornea.
The alternative bladeless also called all laser blade free lasik or femto lasik uses only a laser to make the corneal flap and reshape your.
Using a laser allows the surgeon to make precise incisions in less time.
Advantages of all laser lasik the use of a femtosecond laser instead of a mechanical bladed instrument to create the corneal flap in lasik surgery relieves a good deal of anxiety many people.
Is there a difference in outcomes.
Two respected eye surgeons debate blade vs.
The flap is then lifted to allow lasers to reshape cornea correcting the patient s vision.
Lasik which stands for laser assisted in situ keratomileusis is a type of refractive surgery.
All laser lasik eliminates the need for a surgical blade and offers greater precision and control reducing certain lasik risks and flap complications.
All laser lasik removes the need for a microkeratome blade tool to touch the eye and possibly push material and or bacteria into the eye.
However studies do not show that laser surgery results in fewer complications.
In some cases the laser can provide more correction than traditional surgery.
Also studies haven t found that laser surgery provides better outcomes.
It can improve accuracy and consistency.
Blade lasik is when an electrically driven mechanical spinning blade called a microkeratome is used to cut the corneal flap similar to how a deli slicer works.
The surgeon first cuts a thin flap of tissue from the front of the eye.
While individual doctors may have their own preference most objective lasik surgeons agree that both methods can be very safe and consistently achieve excellent results.
American academy of ophthalmology.
A look at lasik past present and future.
Comparing blade versus bladeless lasik.