Bladeless LASIK vs. LASIK

Search for information on LASIK surgery and you’ll soon discover there is a large amount of material out there. Unfortunately, some of it can seem quite complicated. This is especially true when you begin to study the pros and cons of traditional LASIK surgery vs. the newer “bladeless” LASIK, also called all-laser vision surgery.

Since bladeless LASIK is considerably more expensive per eye than conventional LASIK, you may also be weighing your options to see if the all-laser option is worth the higher cost. The following summary of information may help you evaluate which option is right for you.

How Does Bladeless LASIK Differ from Traditional LASIK?

Both surgeries accomplish the same thing – improving your eyesight and ending your reliance on prescription glasses or contacts by correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

In traditional LASIK surgery, your ophthalmologist utilizes a bladed instrument called a microkeratome to cut the small, hinged flap in your cornea.

In a bladeless LASIK surgery, your surgeon will instead use a laser, called an IntraLaseTM, to make the corneal flap. The Iaser creates the flap by using intense, quick pulses of light that develop a layer of bubbles beneath the surface of the cornea.

And that’s where the technical difference ends. After the flap is created, both types of LASIK surgery involve the use of an excimer laser to actually change the shape of the cornea to improve vision.

Advantages and Disadvantages – Bladeless LASIK

Bladeless LASIK is often marketed as less “risky” than traditional LASIK. This is because the laser is programmed to offer precise treatment and no cutting of tissue, which together can lead to fewer flap complications.

In reality, research into the reduced risk claim has been contradictory. It’s clear that skilled LASIK surgeons can provide the same level of accuracy and safety with traditional LASIK.

One unique disadvantage of bladeless LASIK is that some patients can develop increased light sensitivity after surgery.

Advantages and Disadvantages – Traditional LASIK

The biggest disadvantage to traditional LASIK is that, to get the same level of results with the same, low risk as bladeless LASIK, it’s important to find a skilled and experienced LASIK surgeon. With this type of surgery, experience can be a real factor in keeping flap complications to a minimum.

There are several significant benefits of traditional LASIK over bladeless:

• Patients experience less discomfort during surgery.
• Traditional LASIK is a faster procedure than bladeless.
• Bladeless LASIK causes more uncomfortable suction on the eye.
• Traditional LASIK is a better option for glaucoma patients.
• There is less risk of swelling, since there is less laser energy used on the eye.
• Patients may achieve full visual clarity sooner.