Bladeless IntraLASIK FAQs

How is“bladeless” IntraLASIK safer?

LASIK has proven to be a relatively safe procedure, with most LASIK complications related to the creation of the corneal flap. Now, LASIK is even safer because bladeless IntraLASIK ® makes it possible to create the flap with a more precise process that works from the “inside-out,” and greater precision means improved safety and results. Dr. Hollingshead is the first and only eye surgeon in Idaho to offer his patients the added safety of bladeless IntraLASIK technology.

What is customized LASIK with Zyoptix ®?

Because every eye is different, Hollingshead Eye Center offers Zyoptix custom LASIK from Bausch & Lomb combined with bladeless IntraLASIK for vision correction that is as individual as you are.

The Zyoptix system combines the three-dimensional topographical mapping technology of Orbscan ®, the advanced wavefront technology of Zywave ®, and the Bausch & Lomb laser to deliver a customized and personalized LASIK treatment specifically designed to correct microscopic visual errors. Compared to conventional LASIK, Zyoptix provides:

  • Improved night vision

    • Fewer problems with night driving

  • Exceptional results

    Crisper, clearer vision

    Less dependence on eyeglasses and contact lenses

Why does Dr. Hollingshead offer bladeless IntraLASIK “all-laser” technology?

“Good enough” technology is not good enough for Dr. Hollingshead’s patients. Bladeless IntraLASIK technology provides:

  • SAFETY: LASIK has proven to be a relatively safe procedure, with most LASIK complications related to the creation of the corneal flap. Bladeless IntraLASIK makes LASIK surgery safer than ever by replacing the blade commonly used for corneal flap creation with a laser. More than one million bladeless IntraLASIK procedures have been safely performed without a single sight-threatening complication reported.
  • UNPRECEDENTED ACCURACY: Bladeless IntraLASIK is the most sophisticated and precise technology available for creating a corneal flap, making it possible for Dr. Hollingshead to tailor the flap for each individual eye.
  • SPEED: When it comes to LASIK, faster is better. The bladeless IntraLASIK method creates the corneal flap in only 30 seconds per eye, making it possible to perform the entire procedure in approximately 10 minutes.
  • RESULTS: With Bladeless IntraLASIK, more patients achieve 20/20 vision.
  • PATIENT SATISFACTION: LASIK patients enrolled in a clinical study had the flap for one eye created with a microkeratome and the flap for the other eye created with bladeless IntraLASIK. Three out of four patients who stated a preference preferred the vision in the eye treated with bladeless IntraLASIK.

Is bladeless IntraLASIK the same as the “customized” procedure I have heard so much about?

No. Custom LASIK generally refers to individualized visual diagnosis with “wavefront” technology which allows for customized treatment with the excimer laser. Now all steps of the laser vision correction procedure may be customized to the individual patient. Combining “custom” LASIK and bladeless IntraLASIK makes it possible for Dr. Hollingshead to deliver an unprecedented level of personalization, safety, and precision with each patient’s procedure.

How do bladeless IntraLASIK visual outcomes compare with those of traditional LASIK?

Clinical studies confirm that patients see better following bladeless IntraLASIK-initiated LASIK than following a traditional LASIK procedure.

  • More patients achieve 20/20 or better vision with Intralase-initiated LASIK.
  • Patients stating a preference preferred the post-operative vision of their bladeless IntraLASIK-treated eye 3 to 1 over the vision of their eye treated with traditional LASIK.
  • Bladeless IntraLASIK creates fewer high- and low-order aberrations, thought to be associated with glare and halos at night.
  • Bladeless IntraLASIK patients have a reduced incidence of post-operative dry eye symptoms.
  • Bladeless IntraLASIK patients required fewer enhancement procedures following LASIK.
  • The precision of the bladeless IntraLASIK flap significantly reduces the incidence of post-operative induced astigmatism, as compared with a traditional LASIK flap.

Is traditional LASIK safe?

Yes, but bladeless IntraLASIK reduces the risk of complications reported with the microkeratome and has given many patients more confidence in choosing laser vision correction.

Is bladeless IntraLASIK safer?

Yes. Bladeless IntraLASIK improves the safety, precision and visual results of LASIK, whether you choose to have a standard or custom procedure.

This is a result of the superior precision provided by the computer-guided bladeless IntraLASIK laser, as compared to that of a hand-held microkeratome, which cuts across the cornea to create a flap. Bladeless IntraLASIK uses the precision of a beam of light to create a laser flap without traveling across the cornea, virtually eliminating severe sight-threatening complications as a result.

Precise flap thickness is critical to a successful LASIK outcome, and bladeless IntraLASIK flaps feature a consistent thickness from edge to edge. This degree of accuracy is unprecedented in flap creation technology. Flap stability is also an important factor, as the consequences of flap slippage can be problematic. Bladeless IntraLASIK flaps provide added assurance and peace of mind for many patients.

Is bladeless IntraLASIK technology a gimmick that makes it possible to charge more for vision correction?

Dr. Hollingshead does not invest in “gimmicks” or questionable technology.

The United States Navy and NASA recently tested and approved bladeless IntraLASIK technology for naval aviators. Previously, LASIK vision correction was off-limits for these pilots because of concerns with vision quality following the procedure. According to the Navy’s studies, bladeless IntraLASIK delivered better quality vision and faster visual recovery time (as compared to procedures that treat the surface of the cornea and those involving a mechanical microkeratome for flap creation).

The Navy approved bladeless IntraLASIK for its aviators. Following the Navy’s decision, NASA followed suit, approving bladeless IntraLASIK for astronauts.

Read more about the Navy’s decision.

Who is not a candidate for bladeless IntraLASIK?

LASIK laser vision correction is not for everyone. Certain factors, such as corneal thickness or the strength of your eyeglass prescription, determine whether or not you may be a candidate. That is why, before any vision correction procedure is performed, our eye care professionals will conduct a detailed examination to determine your candidacy. Based on the results of those tests, your doctor will recommend the vision correction option best suited for you.

Learn what you can expect during the bladeless IntraLASIK procedure.