IntraLase ^® LASIK

What is 'custom' or 'personalised' Intralase ^® LASIK?

Traditionally non custom laser, LASIK or PRK, fires many hundreds of small spots which overlap by different amounts to create a new surface to replicate the focusing pattern of the glasses or contact lenses. This system is called planoscan.

At Auckland Eye we have the advantage of providing planoscan LASIK, and where best suited, 'custom' or our 'personalised' LASIK known as 'wavefront guided' or 'zyoptix'. Using this procedure laser spot positions are not determined by the glasses/contact lenses alone. Instead measurements are made of the whole focusing system by a machine called an aberrometer. Where appropriate, this personalised system has advantages. Our surgeons who are experienced with these methods will recommend the best type of treatment for you.

What is LASIK (Laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis)?

The more recently developed Intralase ^®LASIK creates a flap, which is lifted to allow reshaping of the cornea just below the surface. Once the flap has been created the laser then uses a cool ultraviolet light to remove the corneal tissue by breaking the molecular bonds within the cells allowing exceptional accuracy and with no significant damage to surrounding tissue. LASIK has become the most commonly used method of laser eye surgery. It offers two principal advantages over PRK; it can treat a much wider range of refractive errors and postoperative recovery time is significantly faster. For the right candidate, LASIK provides a new perspective in vision correction.

Step 1 Flap is created and folded away from the central cornea	Step 2 Excimer laser reshapes the cornea
Step 3 Cornea flap is replaced	Step 4 LASIK surgery is complete

Step 1:
The corneal flap is created exposing the inner layers of the cornea.  With the IntraLase method, tiny pulses of laser light pass harmlessly through the outer surface of the cornea, forming a uniform layer of microscopic bubbles just under the surface. Your doctor determines the exact dimensions of the bubble layer and this is all computer controlled for maximum precision. The doctor is then able to gently separate the layers, creating the flap. This takes about 30 seconds.

Step 2:
The excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. This takes between 30-90 seconds and is totally painless. For nearsightedness reshaping takes place in the central area to flatten the cornea, for farsightedness reshaping takes place on the edges to enhance its curve and with astigmatism reshaping target various locations to improve uniformity of the cornea's shape.

Step 3:
The corneal flap is replaced over the reshaped cornea so that there is little or no postoperative discomfort. Within three minutes the flap is securely attached and the procedure is over. There is no need for stitches as the flap bonds so quickly.

Step 4:
Refractive surgery is complete.

LASIK has advantages over other procedures:

• A relative lack of discomfort afterwards
• Improved healing - good vision is usually achieved almost immediately or at least by the very next day
• Eyedrops are usually discontinued after one week.

Some disadvantages of LASIK treatment are:

• Flap complications during surgery can mean deferring the surgery to another date whilst the cornea heals
• Not everyone can have LASIK as it is dependent on the thickness of the cornea.

More about personalised LASIK

At Auckland Eye as part of our 'personalised approach to patient care' we offer, and use, the latest wavefront (custom) technology to deliver an individualised treatment plan for each patient. Wavefront technology offers a new level of diagnosis and treatment for people with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

The benefits are provided via three key components of the 'wavefront system':

• The WavePrint map - reveals the way your entire optical system works, rather than just the corneal surface, allowing for a more precise and more detailed analysis of your vision
• Variable spot scanning - allows for a larger treatment area, offering greater flexibility in developing a more personalised laser vision correction, especially with large pupil sizes, which can reduce quality of vision in low lighting
• The 3D active trak - follows the tiny motions of your eye, repositioning the laser to ensure accuracy.
  Our WavePrint system offers an individual treatment plan for each patient designed especially for you - hence the term 'custom'. It is the fingerprint of your eye, as no two are the same.

Benefits of Wavefront treatment:

• More likely to achieve clearer vision (20/20 or better)
• Reduces likelihood of glare and halos at night
• Ability to offer treatment to patients with larger pupils and thinner corneas
• Removes less tissue thereby reducing the risk of complications.

Auckland Eye offers a no obligation, free laser assessment.
To make an appointment, or if you have any questions about laser surgery, please call us free on 0800 NEW EYES (0800 63 93 93) or contact one of our friendly specialist team.