How is Intralase Different from PRK and Epi-LASIK?

Intralase differs from photo-refractive Keratectomy (PRK), and Epi-LASIK in the way the cornea is prepared for the second step of LASIK, folding back the flap and using the laser to correct vision. Epi-LASIK uses an epikeratome, which is a blunt separator, to make a flap that is superficial. PRK gently scrapes the surface of the cornea to prepare it, which may lead to scratching. With Intralase, a blade never touches your eye; instead the laser makes bubbles by moving back and forth across your eye. The eye surgeon then gently separates the tissue where the bubbles have formed. PRK and Epi-LASIK may also have more pain involved in the healing process and healing may take longer than with Intralase. Ask your eye surgeon for more information on these three procedures.