LASIK with the iFS Advanced Femtosecond Laser
Eye Surgeons uses 100 percent bladeless LASIK IntraLase Laser Technology. The iFS laser, cleared by the FDA, has more than 10 years of clinical research shown to improve both the safety and precision of LASIK. More than 4,000,000 procedures have been performed comfortably and effectively using the iFS. IntraLase Laser Technology has an excellent safety profile and superior visual outcomes. NASA astronauts and U.S. pilots can have LASIK surgery today because of the exclusive, validated safety and precision performance of the IntraLase Method.
Bladeless LASIK is a 100% blade-free approach to creating your corneal flap, the thin flap of tissue that folds back before performing your LASIK or Custom LASIK procedure. The IntraLase method uses tiny rapid pulses of laser light to create your corneal flap.
Each pulse of light passes harmlessly through the outer portion of your cornea and forms a uniform layer of microscopic bubbles beneath the surface of your eye. The exact dimensions of this layer of bubbles are determined by the doctor based on what’s best for your eye and are computer-controlled for maximum precision – things that are not possible with a hand-held blade. The IntraLase flap creation process takes about 15-30 seconds.
The tissue easily separates where these bubbles occur and fold back creating your corneal flap. After LASIK is completed, the distinctive beveled edge created by the IntraLase laser allows for precise repositioning, alignment, and seating of the corneal flap.
What are the benefits to you?
- In clinical trials, more patients achieved 20/20 or better vision when their LASIK procedure was performed with Blade-Free LASIK than with other techniques. (Tanzer D.J. Schalhorn SC, Brown MC, et al. Data on file, IntraLase Corp., 2005)
- Patients reported better quality of vision overall, particularly with low light or night vision. (Durrie D.D. Data on file, IntraLase Corp., 2005)
- Patients who choose the iFS laser experience faster visual recovery, fewer dry eye symptoms, and maximum flap stability-three times that of a microkeratome-created flap. 1-3
- The Blade-Free LASIK procedure gives the surgeon the ability to tailor the dimensions of your corneal flap based on what’s best for your eye contributing to excellent postoperative outcomes.
The blade-free IntraLase Method with the iFS laser represents the modern standard of care in vision correction worldwide. As with any type of surgery, risks are involved. It is important to discuss any concerns with your surgeon.
- Tanna M, Schallhorn S, Hettinger K.Femtosecond laser versus mechanical microkeratome: a retrospective comparison of visual outcomes at 3 months. J Refract Surg. 2009;25:1-4.
- Donnenfeld E. Preservation of corneal innervations with femtosecond laser inverted sidecut flaps. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2010 51:E-Abstract2855.
- KnorzMC, Vossmerbaeumer U. Comparison of flap adhesion strength using the AMADEUS microkeratomes and the IntraLase iFS femtosecond laser in rabbits. J Refract Surg. 2008;24(9):875-878
VISX S4 Excimer Laser
Eye Surgeons Associates uses the VISX S4 Excimer Laser which has successfully treated millions of eyes in the U.S. The Excimer laser is a specific type of “cool” laser, which generates its power from light in the ultraviolet range. It cannot be visualized by the human eye. Because the laser does not generate any heat, there is no tissue damage as the result of the laser light.
During the LASIK procedure, the laser is activated in single pulses, each of which removes ten-millionth of an inch of tissue in twelve billionths of a second. Guided by the expertise of the surgeon, the laser precisely reshapes the cornea without disturbing the surrounding area of the eye.
Eye Tracker
The laser’s infrared cameras actively follow the tiniest motions of your eye in all three dimensions. You do not need to worry about moving your eye during the procedure as the tracker will follow the movement and adjust the laser accordingly. If the movement is too great, the laser automatically stops treatment and will resume exactly where it left off.
FDA approved iDesign Advanced WaveScan Studio System
Traditional LASIK surgery can provide excellent results when correcting a wide range of vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These vision problems are known as lower-order aberrations. iDesign goes beyond reshaping your cornea based on your prescription for eyeglasses or contacts. It generates a high-definition scan that measures and maps irregularities of the eye that may impact vision to create an accurate and personalized LASIK treatment plan. NASA used this technology to accurately measure and shape the mirrors in the James Webb Space Telescope.
In a clinical study on 334 eyes treated with the iDesign System, 99% of patients experienced little or no difficulty with the clarity of their vision and 97% of patients had little or no difficulty with their daily activities after surgery. In addition, patients saw significant improvements in their vision while driving at night and a reduction in glare. More people may now be eligible for LASIK compared to Abbott’s existing WaveScan WaveFront technology. Doctors can also treat higher levels of astigmatism in people with nearsightedness and a wider range of pupil sizes.
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- Eyewire News, Abbott Launches the iDesign Advanced Wavescan Studio System, July 2015, Source Abbot Medical Optics
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- Market Scope Data, US Vision Population, 21 years of age or older, 2005 Advanced CustomVue and VISX are trademarks of VISX, Incorporated.
SUMMARY OF SAFETY INFORMATION
The *IntraLase FS* and *iFS* Laser Systems are ophthalmic surgical lasers indicated for use in patients undergoing surgery or treatment requiring the initial lamellar resection of the cornea. Contraindications may include corneal edema, glaucoma, and keratoconus.
Risks and complications may include corneal pain, flap tearing, and epithelial ingrowth. Patients are requested to consult with their eye care professional for a complete listing of contraindications and risks. U.S. Federal Law restricts this device to sale, distribution, and use by or on the order of a physician or other licensed eye care professional.
Laser-assisted *in-situ*keratomileusis (LASIK) can only be performed by a trained ophthalmologist and for specified reduction or elimination of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism as indicated within the product labeling. Laser refractive surgery is contraindicated for patients: a) with collagen vascular, autoimmune, or immunodeficiency diseases; b) women who are pregnant or nursing; c) with signs of keratoconus or abnormal corneal topography; d) who are taking one or both of the following medications: Isotretinoin (Accutane) and Amiodarone hydrochloride (Cordarone).
Potential side effects of laser refractive surgery may include glare, dry eye, as well as other visual anomalies. LASIK requires the cutting of a flap on the surface of the cornea, potential side effects may include flap related complications.
Patients are requested to consult with their eye care professional and *Patient Consent Video/form *regarding the potential risks and benefits for laser refractive surgery, results may vary for each individual patient.
*Restricted Device: U.S. Federal Law restricts this device to sale, distribution, and use by or on the order of a physician or other licensed eye care practitioner. U.S. Federal Law restricts the use of this device to professionals who have been trained in its calibration and operation and who have experience in the surgical treatment and management of refractive errors.
