Dr. Boothe Reviews

The Effectual Bladeless LASIK Eye Surgery: Procedure and Benefits

Introduction
LASIK is an acronym for “laser-assisted in Situ keratomileusis,” a description that indicates that the surgery involves a minimum of one non-laser operative device. In traditional LASIK, surgeons use a microkeratome, a metal blade that has been specifically designed to create a very fine slice of tissue within a particular area. In the case of a bladeless LASIK procedure, a specialized laser replaces the microkeratome, but the treatment still falls within the category of LASIK.

Procedure

Every LASIK treatment method follows a similar procedural order. First, Dr. William Boothe will carefully and accurately measures the cornea, and then studies it to determine the exact nature and extent of surgery required to correct the patient’s vision. Secondly, the surgeon immobilizes the eye with corneal suction rings. Thirdly, the corneal flap hinge is created and folded back to reveal the stroma, which is the central part of the cornea. Finally, the folded tissue is moved back into place and, if necessary, the flaps are changed before the eyes are left to heal.

Bladeless LASIK differs from traditional LASIK in the third step. In this step, the microkeratome is replaced by a femtosecond laser, which is a device that cuts the corneal flaps using short, well-focused pulses of energy.

Why is bladeless LASIK eye surgery the best option for me?

Compared to other types of surgery, the LASIK procedure poses only a minimal risk of complication. One of the primary risks of LASIK results from the use of blades to cut the corneal flaps. Thus, bladeless LASIK minimizes these risks as it does not utilize a blade. This treatment instead uses IntraLase lasers, which are operated by computers and therefore can cut the flaps with more accuracy. In addition, bladeless LASIK provides such a high level of accuracy that it can even be used in individual with thin corneas, who are typically ineligible for traditional LASIK surgery.

Advantages

Bladeless LASIK offers several advantages. As discussed above, the accuracy of IntraLase lasers used during bladeless LASIK allow for greater curvature, and thus reduces the margin of error. The usage of the lasers instead of blades also lowers the risks of infection and irritation post-surgery. Furthermore, the bladeless LASIK procedure tends to have a shorter healing and recovery time than other categories of LASIK surgery.

Before bladeless LASIK surgery, many people who had LASIK surgery, needed to return to their doctor for follow-up exams or to repeat an operation that was not performed accurately. With bladeless LASIK surgery, however, these stories have become a thing of the past, with the current success rate of bladeless LASIK reaching almost 100%.

Do I still need an Ophthalmologist?

Now, you might be wondering why we need an ophthalmologist, when the lasers are so efficient and accurate. Although many actions are computer and laser operated, they are still machines that need to be directed by an experienced surgeon. In addition to all other training, the LASIK surgeon must also acquire a deep knowledge of the technology in order to perform the surgery. The bladeless LASIK surgeons must even understand the functional operations of the computer that control the laser.

Where should I undergo the surgery?

Although the bladeless LASIK procedure is more costly, the results and minimized risk are worth the additional price for many patients. Dr. Boothe, a renowned eye surgeon with many years of experience, is an expert in laser eye surgery, and offers the most effective and safe bladeless LASIK eye surgery to his patients.