Precise & Uniform Flaps¹

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Stronger, More Stable Corneal Flaps²

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Smoother flaps³

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Thinner corneal flaps⁴

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Beveled edges

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More sterile corneal surface

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Precise & Uniform Flaps¹
IntraLase provides the highest degree of precision and uniformity. IntraLase's Micron-level precision creates significantly more predictable and accurate flap dimensions, including, most critically, reproducible flap thickness, within ± 10 microns, whereas variability with microkeratomes has been reported up to ± 40 microns. This increased precision preserves valuable corneal tissue and improves the predictability of the LASIK treatment.

Comparison of Flap Shape:

- precise flap diameter - uniform depth - optimal hinge location - beveled edge - precise centration	- irregular flap shape & diameter - non-uniform depth - varying hinge location - uneven edge - decentered
Comparison of Variations in Flap Thickness:
Minimal variation in flap depth	Significant variation in flap depth
Above: Topographical (Artemis) scans mapping variations in flap thickness. Colour variations indicated changes in thickness, as shown on indicator bar beside each scan (e.g. blue indicates thinner sections around 30 microns, while red indicates thicker sections over 200 microns). A consistent colour indicates uniform flap thickness. As shown, variations in thickness of a hand-held microkeratome are typically two to three times greater than that of the IntraLase FS laser.

Stronger, More Stable Corneal Flaps²
Corneas consist of numerous interconnected layers of thin tissue (called the collagen matrix), which creates the shape and strength of the cornea.

When a hand-held microkeratome cuts across the cornea at varying depths, it severes layers of tissue thereby weakening the cornea.

Unlike the microkeratome, the IntraLase FS laser (as shown above) creates a uniform flap depth without cutting across the structural layers of the cornea. As such, IntraLase flaps (and the cornea) are much stronger and more stable, resulting in optimal visual outcomes.

Smoother flaps³
The IntraLase laser cleanly and completely divides the flap at a molecular level, resulting in a much smoother corneal surface. IntraLase flaps improve the accuracy of the LASIK procedure, which results in better visual results. As well, they are self-sealing with greater adhesion, which improves healing time and minimizes the risk of complications, such as flap dislocation and visual defects.

Below: Corneal flap scans from a Scanning Electron Microscope (300x magnification), showing the smoother surface of an IntraLase FS flap, compared to a flap made with the latest Zyoptix XP microkeratome.

Click to enlarge image...


Thinner corneal flaps⁴
IntraLase can consistently produce corneal flaps as thin as 100 microns. In turn, IntraLase makes LASIK a viable option for patients with thin or flat corneas, previously considered inoperable.

Beveled edges
IntraLase flap feature a distinctive beveled edge, which allows for precise repositioning, alignment and seating of the flap after LASIK is completed. This allows for better resistance against unwanted movement and infiltration of foreign debris.

More sterile corneal surface
The IntraLase laser eliminates the risk of residual blade debris being left on or embedded within the corneal surface.



REFERENCES:

1. Durrie DS. How IntraLase raised the bar in refractive surgery. Cataract Refract Surg Today. July 2003 (suppl):1-2.

2. Alió JL, Ortiz D, Piñero D. Flap biomechanics with femtosecond and mechanical microkeratomes. Data presented at: European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons; September 10-14, 2005; Lisbon, Portugal.

3. Data on file, IntraLase Corp.

4. Will B, Kurtz RM. IntraLase is best. In: Probst LE, ed. LASIK: Advances, Controversies, and Custom. Thorofare, NJ: SLACK; 2004:397-402.