Intralase Lasik

Intralase Lasik is growing in popularity and is now generally considered to be the gold standard in Lasik eye surgery. About 1 million Intralase Lasik procedures have already been carried out worldwide with this number set to grow as it asserts itself as the Lasik method of choice.

About Intralase:

Intralase is basically a type of Lasik (intralase Lasik) and differs from standard Lasik in the way in which the flap (thin layer of cornea) is created during the Lasik procedure.


The most crucial step in Lasik is the accurate creation of the flap and therefore any new method that improves this will be welcomed.


During standard, the flap is created using a microkeratome (metal blade) whereas with Intralase Lasik it is created using a laser (femtosecond laser). Intralase Lasik is therefore classed as a bladeless procedure. Using specialist intralase computer technology, the surgeon creates the ‘perfect flap for your cornea’ by using rapid pulses from the laser to create tiny bubbles within your cornea. The surgeon can then gently create a flap by separating the layers of your cornea as he/she requires. Once the flap is created the rest of the intralase Lasik procedure is the same as that for standard Lasik, with the surgeon then lasering your cornea below the flap to eliminate your prescription. This reshaping of your cornea ensures the light entering your eye is focused precisely onto the retina and hence you have perfect vision!

Intralase Vs Microkeratome:

Standard Lasik uses a blade (microkeratome) to create the flap. The microkeratome is a mechanical instrument which means that the flap edges created can be uneven and irregular. This can affect the visual outcome (especially night vision )and also result in flap complications. The most common risks of laser eye surgery are associated with the creation of the flap.


During Intralase Lasik the flap is created using a laser which results in a more precise, smooth and even flap. Whatsmore, the surgeon can tailor the flap to compliment the surface of your eye resulting in the ‘perfect flap’ which locks neatly back in place after the Intralase surgery.

Read our guide on the advantages of Intralase to get a greater understanding.

If there is still anything you are uncertain of why not ask a question in our laser eye surgery forum.