Lasik surgery works to correct your vision so that you can better see the world around you. There are two primary Lasik types that you can talk to your eye doctor about: iLasik and traditional Lasik. Both procedures have differences that can impact your overall results, so knowing the differences between the two is important when choosing the best option for you.
What is Traditional Lasik?
Traditional Lasik dates back to the late 1980s, and it uses refraction to take standard measurements of your eye. The measurements only work to correct general farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. However, possible side effects can include haloing and night glare.
Traditional Lasik Involves Two Main Techniques:
- Blade-created Flap: Traditionally, surgeons use a microkeratome to create a Lasik flap. The flap is cut into the cornea using an oscillating blade. This gets the eye prepared for using the excimer laser to reshape the cornea.
- Laser Vision Correction (Bladeless): This technique involves an exam with your pupils fully dilated in order to get your measurements for the excimer laser treatment. The laser works to reshape the cornea surface. The flap is put back into place after the laser cornea reshaping.
What is iLasik?
This type of Lasik surgery uses a two-laser approach with Advanced CustomVue measurements to correct your vision. The measurements are made by creating what is similar to a fingerprint of your eye. Compared to traditional measurements, this method provides 25 times more detail. Every person has Lasik surgery customized to them using WaveScan Mapping. Compared to traditional Lasik, the enhanced measurements of iLasik potentially produce better vision after the surgery. There is also a reduced risk of haloing and night glare compared to traditional Lasik.
iLasik Involves Two Main Techniques:
- Laser-created flap: To create the corneal flap, the surgeon uses the IntraLase FS laser. This means that no blade is used, unlike with traditional Lasik, and a computer guides the laser to reduce the risk of some of the potential Lasik complications. This allows for better visual outcomes by creating a better working surface under the flap.
- WaveFront-Guided laser: Compared to other Lasik techniques, this technique allows for the most accurate and precise laser vision correction that eye doctors can provide today. It is an Advanced CustomVue procedure that uses WaveScan measurements. These measurements go into the wavefront computer-guided excimer laser.
This technique allows doctors to customize the vision correction treatment for every patient. Clinical trials show that this Lasik option provides the most outstanding visual outcomes and the highest level of safety with this type of procedure.
Make the Best Choice for you
Understanding both surgery types, iLasik and traditional Lasik eye surgery is the first step toward making an informed decision for your treatment protocol. Our eye care experts specialize in iLasik to yield the best results, with lowered risks. Contact us today and set up your free consultation. Start seeing the world clearly with your improved vision.