Hurst Eye Center
Specializing in Diseases & Surgery of the Eye
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LASIK with IntraLase
 
 
 


 
What is IntraLase?
The IntraLase Method is a 100% blade-free technique used to perform the critical first step in the LASIK procedure: creating the corneal flap. The creation of the corneal flap prepares the eye for the second step of the LASIK procedure, where an excimer laser is used on the inner cornea to correct vision. There are several benefits to using the IntraLase Method:
 
Better vision.  More patients in clinical trials achieved vision that was 20/20 or better when their LASIK procedure was performed with the IntraLase Method. And patients report better quality of vision overall, particularly in terms of their ability to see well in low light such as at dusk or at night.

Ability to tailor the procedure to your eye. The IntraLase Method gives our doctor the ability to tailor the dimensions of your corneal flap based on what’s best for your eye. Everything from the diameter of your flap to the angle of its edges can be precisely determined. This is important because everyone’s eyes are shaped a little differently. Having a corneal flap that’s individualized to the patient contributes to excellent postoperative outcomes.

 
How is the procedure performed?
 
 
The IntraLase Method uses tiny, rapid pulses of laser light to create your corneal flap—instead of using a metal blade—during the first step of LASIK.
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
Each pulse of light passes through the top layers of your cornea and forms a microscopic bubble at a specific depth and position within your eye that is determined by the doctor. The IntraLase® laser moves back and forth across your eye, creating a uniform layer of bubbles just beneath your corneal surface.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Just prior to applying laser vision correction, our surgeon creates your corneal flap by gently separating the tissue where these bubbles have formed. The corneal flap is then folded back so our doctor can perform the second step of your LASIK treatment.
 
 
 
 
 
Does insurance cover Laser Vision Correction?

Generally, LASIK is considered elective and is not offered by many health insurance plans. However, some companies have started covering the procedure. You may want to call your insurance carrier to determine if laser vision correction is an included benefit. Cafeteria or flexible spending plans are eligible for laser vision correction. In addition, we offer financing through Chase Health Advance which can make LASIK more affordable.  You may choose a one year interest-free plan or a longer installment plan so that your monthly payments are lower.  Go to www.chasehealthadvance.com to find out more information or to apply.  You may also call Chase Health Advance at 1-888-519-6111.

 

 

 

Bausch & Lomb Technolas 217 Excimer Laser System

After creating the corneal flap with the IntraLase laser, an excimer laser system is used to re-shape the cornea.  We have chosen the Bausch & Lomb Technolas 217 excimer laser system.  The newest generation excimer lasers, such as this one, utilize an innovative technology called a "flying spot laser."  A narrow beam (about 2 mm wide) contacts the eye at lightning speed in a pattern that allows the eye to clear in one place before contacting that area again.  The laser beam covers a broad surface area, but does not penetrate as deep as in RK procedures.  Unlike the broad beam, the full width of the flying spot beam is placed on the cornea during every pulse. This technology produces a smoother corneal shape and helps increase the accuracy and efficiency of the surgery. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Technolas® 217 excimer laser is strategically designed for the

LASIK procedure to maximize surgeon and patient comfort, and optimize patient accessibility during refractive procedures.