How the IntraLase^® FS Laser Works

The IntraLase FS laser differs from other blade-based technologies in many important ways.

When used during LASIK, the IntraLase laser replaces the handheld microkeratome blade traditionally used during surgery. The IntraLase FS laser is the first bladeless and most accurate modality for corneal flap creation available today. See how the IntraLase Method™* is different from other solutions—and see how these differences lead to outstanding results.

And now with its new laser application, IntraLase-Enabled Keratoplasty™ (IEK™), the IntraLase FS laser can be used to create innovative, shaped incisions for corneal transplantation or keratoplasty procedures—with clinical benefits that have not been possible with the manual trephine corneal cutter.

Creating the flap from the inside out

The IntraLase FS laser uses infrared light to precisely cut tissue by a process known as photodisruption. The specialized software that supports the IntraLase laser directs the process of focusing the laser beam into a tiny, 2-3 micron spot of energy. The beam passes harmlessly through the outer layers of the cornea until it reaches its exact focal point within the stroma.

Upon reaching this focal point, the beam forms microscopic bubbles of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Thousands of these bubbles are placed at a precisely controlled depth to define a dissection plane. Using the rapidly fired IntraLase laser and interconnecting the bubbles very tightly creates a corneal flap with remarkable precision and accuracy.

Micron-level Precision

IntraLase technology enables you to precision-design the corneal flap in terms of diameter, depth, edge angle, and morphology—and to optimize the stromal beds for the refractive procedure to follow.

Customized Architecture and Unsurpassed Accuracy Program the Parameters Focus the laser beam at a desired corneal depth, unrestricted by a plate Create the ideal corneal interface and hinge placement based on individual patient factors such as corneal thickness, steepness, and diameter Produce a precisely beveled architecture that falls into the correct position and resists displacement following surgery Preserve the Stroma Create uniformly thin, planar corneal flaps(1) and smooth, evenly hydrated, symmetrical stromal morphology Conserve corneal tissue to extend the range of treatable diopters, widening the base of potential LASIK candidates Maximize surgical confidence in treating patients with higher refractive errors, thinner corneas, large pupils, and moderate-to-high astigmatism Predict the Precision Deliver reproducible flap thicknesses with profiles that are significantly superior to those achieved by mechanical means (p<0.001)(2) Create flap thicknesses with exceptionally narrow standard deviations(2,3) Achieve flap thickness independent of corneal thickness(1) Minimize induced astigmatism(2,4)

References:

1. Binder P. 1,000 consecutive IntraLase LASIK flaps. Poser presented at: American Academy of Ophthalmology; October 23-26, 2004; New Orleans, La.
2. Kezerian GM, Stonecipher KG. Comparison of the IntraLase femtosecond laser and mechanical keratomes for laser in situ keratomileusis. J Refract Surg. 2004;30:804-811.
3. Data on file, IntraLase Corp.
4. Durrie DS, Kezerian GM. Femtosecond laser versus mechanical keratome flaps in wavefront-guided in situ keratomileusis. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2005;31:120-126.

*Only the IntraLase FS laser can be used to perform the IntraLase Method.