In LASIK, the creation of a corneal flap is a critical step and the femtosecond laser was a significant advancement in LASIK technology (“femtosecond” means a millionth of a nanosecond). One such technology platform is Intralase® (Advanced Medical Optics, USA). This “bladeless” procedure involves the creation of cavitation bubbles in a pattern (like pixels on a computer screen) within the cornea to create an interface, which can then be gently lifted up as a flap. This eliminates the need for a physical blade, or microkeratome.

Creation of corneal flap using the Intralase® femtosecond laser

The main advantage of using a femtosecond laser for flap creation is the greater degree of safety compared to microkeratomes. This almost eliminates the risk of flap complications like partial flaps or buttonholes especially for high-risk eyes, e.g. eyes with steep corneas.

The latest 4 th generation Intralase® femtosecond laser which is faster and more precise is available at SNEC to LASIK patients.

The Intralase® is also able to create thinner and more predictable flaps of up to 90 microns compared to conventional microkeratomes which are between 130 and 150 microns. This is of great importance to patients with thin corneas who are unable to undergo conventional microkeratome-assisted LASIK.