There is no doubt that LASIK has changed a ton in the past 20 years. As the technology continues to advance, the surgery has become safer, more effective, and easier to perform.
And if you are looking for proof, then there is no better example of this than the development of iLASIK surgery. Most people are at least somewhat familiar with LASIK but you may be less familiar with the term iLASIK.
Let’s look at what iLASIK is and what the biggest differences are between it and traditional LASIK surgery.
Traditional LASIK Surgery
LASIK was originally approved by the FDA in 1995, which means it has been performed successfully for over 20 years now.
It’s the most common type of vision correction and over 99 percent of patients are happy with their results.
During LASIK, your ophthalmologist will create a corneal flap on your eye. This allows the “stroma” layer underneath to be accessed and your corneal tissue can be reshaped.
To create this flap, your doctor will use a small, bladed instrument called a microkeratome. This process is very safe but there is a small margin for error since the flap is created by hand.
iLASIK Surgery
iLASIK is often referred to as “blade-free LASIK.” It offers the traditional benefits of LASIK while improving both the quality and the accuracy.
During iLASIK, your ophthalmologist will create the corneal flap with a femtosecond laser instead of the microkeratome. Before the procedure, your surgeon will create a 3D map of your eyes, using wavefront technology to make note of any problems. The excimer laser will use this information to make adjustments custom to your eyes!
This creates a completely customized procedure for your eyes which is safer and usually results in fewer complications. And because the laser is more precise than the microkeratome, your outcomes will be much more accurate and more predictable.
iLASIK vs. LASIK: Which is Right for You?
So which should you choose — iLASIK or traditional LASIK? If you are having a hard time deciding, you can take comfort in the fact that traditional LASIK is still very safe and effective.
The microkeratome is incredibly safe but there is a higher risk of complications associated with it. Ultimately, the best way to determine what is the right option for you is to schedule a LASIK consultation with our expert LASIK surgeons in NYC.
Contact Stahl Eyecare Experts in NYC today to schedule your LASIK consultation — we will go over the benefits of LASIK and help you make the decision that is best for you.
