What is Lasik
The FDA describes Lasik below:
LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser. A mechanical microkeratome (a blade device) or a laser keratome (a laser device) is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middlesection of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced. There are other techniques and many new terms related to LASIK that you may hear about.
This gives a pretty good description of what Lasik really is. But when it starts talking about a “blade” or “laser” to cut a flap in the cornea, there is some information that is left out of this very broad description. What is this “laser keratome”? Well, this is referring to IntraLASIK, and all-laser form of Lasik. While the blade and laser achieve the same effect, a flap in the cornea, many doctors feel that the laser cut flap is much safer and a much better cut than what you would get from a microkeratome (the blade).
Why do they think the laser is better and safer? Well, the visibility while cutting the flap with the blade is just not there like it is for the laser. If the cut with the blade malfunctions, you can have several complications. The Intralasik flap, on the other hand, has gives the LASIK Dallas surgeon visibility while cutting. He can monitor the cut to ensure the best safest cut. The laser cut flap from Intralasik can also be much thinner, allowing a thicker cornea for higher corrections.
As a leading Dallas Metroplex surgeon, Dr. William Boothe has helped tens of thousands of patients reduce or eliminate their dependency on glasses and contact lenses. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and techniques, Dr. Boothe believes that patient education is instrumental in a successful procedure. He has compiled a valuable network of resources to facilitate this patient education. Please peruse the other pages of this site in addition to watching a video about Boothe Eye Care and Laser Center to learn more about Dr. Boothe and his team.