What is Intralase?

Intralase, also called blade-free LASIK, is a special laser that takes the place of the blade that creates a "flap" in the cornea. With the Intralase laser, surgeons are able to make a smaller and more precise incision into the cornea than available in standard LASIK. After the flap is created, the cornea is shaped just as it is in standard LASIK, with a "cool" far-ultraviolet laser. This procedure is considered safer than standard LASIK because many LASIK complications were related to the flap. It also allows patients who were previously considered poor candidates for LASIK to have their vision improved surgically.