All-laser bladeless LASIK
All-laser LASIK eye surgery
All-Laser LASIK, bladeless LASIK, IntraLase LASIK: these names all refer to the same blade-free method of performing LASIK, where a femtosecond laser creates the protective corneal flap instead of a precision blade.
The basics
What is All-Laser LASIK?
In every LASIK procedure, the surgeon creates a protective flap to access the inner corneal tissue, the part of your eye responsible for your vision problems, and reshape it.
In traditional LASIK, that flap is created with a precision instrument called a microkeratome. All-Laser LASIK uses a femtosecond laser instead, making the entire procedure blade-free.
Also known as
- All-Laser LASIK
- Bladeless LASIK
- IntraLase LASIK
Who it may help
- Patients with higher-than-average prescriptions
- Patients with thinner-than-average corneas
Your doctor will advise if you are a candidate for the All-Laser LASIK procedure based on the unique characteristics of your eyes.
The technology
What is a femtosecond laser?
It’s the laser that replaces the microkeratome used in traditional LASIK surgery, and it’s what makes the procedure fully blade-free:
A laser, not a blade
The femtosecond laser creates the protective corneal flap, the step performed by a microkeratome blade in traditional LASIK.
One quadrillionth of a second
It works in fast bursts of laser energy at intervals of one quadrillionth of a second, which is where the name “femtosecond” comes from.
More eyes qualify
All-laser technology allows surgeons to treat patients with higher-than-average prescriptions or thinner-than-average corneas.
60-second check
Is LASIK right for you?
Higher prescription? Thinner corneas? All-laser technology means more eyes qualify than ever. Answer a few quick questions to find out where you stand.
The procedure
How does All-Laser LASIK work?
All-Laser LASIK follows the same basic procedure as traditional LASIK. The only difference is how the corneal flap is created.
Numbing drops
Your surgeon applies anesthetic drops so you stay comfortable throughout. No needles, no general anesthesia.
The femtosecond laser creates the flap
Instead of a microkeratome blade, fast bursts of laser energy create the protective corneal flap that gives your surgeon access to the inner corneal tissue.
The laser reshapes your cornea
The surgeon delivers computer-controlled pulses of laser light to the inner corneal tissue to gently reshape it.
The flap is replaced
The protective flap is repositioned, and you are on your way to better vision.
What to expect
Before, during, and after your procedure
Our vision specialists are dedicated to making you comfortable throughout the process, so don’t hesitate to reach out at any point with questions or concerns.
Before surgery
A pre-operative visit maps and measures your individual eyes, so the treatment is matched to your exact prescription.
The day of
It’s an outpatient procedure: you return home the same day, with rest recommended for the remainder of the day as part of the healing process.
3 months of follow-up
Continued follow-up visits monitor vision stabilization and ocular health as your eyes settle.