The ability to treat eyesight has developed alongside that of technology. As our surgeons gain access to new and innovative technology, their ability to perform complex procedures becomes easier and safer. If you’re looking for proof, then look no further than the development of iLASIK Surgery, as a development upon that of the traditional LASIK surgery.

Not sure what either of these procedures involves? Well, let us bring you up to speed.

iLASIK

iLASIK is the latest refractive surgery method to become commonplace. This all-Laser vision correction procedure is customised to each individual. Seeing as every eye is different, each procedure takes into account the microscopic differences of your eye.

Firstly, a 3D map is created of your eye, which detects the imperfections and problems using wavefront-guided eye-mapping technology. It painlessly measures and maps the unique features of each of your eyes. The blueprints collected from this allow for a custom-fit procedure.

Next, using the Intralase FS™ method, high-frequency pulses of laser light will be used to create the corneal flap. This method is much safer than that of the microkeratome blade, with the benefit of creating a flap based on 3D mapping.

The cornea is then treated using a VISX Star S4 IR™ Excimer Laser using the latest in Advanced CustomVue® technology which performs iris registration and actively tracks your eye movements. This allows for the laser to be precise in its function and give tailored results. It also actively corrects for any eye movements during the procedure.

LASIK Surgery

LASIK surgery has been a commonplace procedure for correcting vision problems for some time now. LASIK or laser eye surgery as it’s often referred to is a form of refractive surgery which attempts to improve myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. During the surgery, a thin flap is created in the cornea and folded back. From here the surgeon can access the cornea, using an excimer laser to remove and reshape the cornea in order to fix vision problems. The flap is then laid back and covered to complete the procedure and promote healing.

There are two methods for creating the corneal flap in LASIK surgery:

Microkeratome Blade
The microkeratome blade is a device that cuts a small portion of the cornea to create the flap. This small instrument cuts from 80 to 200 micrometres of the cornea; which is from 500 to 600 micrometres. The only blade method still used, many practices have moved towards lasers for creating the corneal flap.

Femtosecond Laser
Lasers are replacing the need for blades in laser vision correction treatment. For Lasik, a femtosecond laser is preferred over a Microkeratome blade. The femtosecond laser delivers short pulses to the eye in order to create the hinged flap.

Once the flap has been created then an excimer laser is used to remove parts of and reshape the cornea.

The Key Differences Between iLASIK and LASIK

The use of a blade
One of the reasons why iLASIK is the preferred option is that there are absolutely no blades involved in the procedure. Whereas some LASIK surgeons still implement the use of the microkeratome blade. The use of a blade is often very successful. Although, there is a higher risk of developing complications when using a blade compared to that of laser corrective surgery.

Customised solutions
iLASIK surgery takes into account the fact that each eye is different and may require a different approach. The 3D mapping of your eye helps to provide specific recommendations and treatment options for you as an individual. LASIK surgery does not offer the same amount of personalisation, and a doctor will normally use your current prescription to determine their laser adjustments.

More complications arise with LASIK surgery
Like any procedure, there are inherent risks involved that doctors will discuss with you prior to surgery. An area where most complications occur is in the creation of the corneal flap, where LASIK and iLASIK surgery differ the most. Flap complications can occur if it isn’t made correctly, resulting in the flap failing to adhere back to the eye, creating optical aberrations or distorted vision for the patient. In this case, the 3D tracking of the iLASIK surgery creates a flap that is adjusted to your eyeballs dimensions and characteristics, making it safer and more effective.

The Future Of Laser Eye Surgery
Ophthalmologists are always looking to improve their laser eye surgery practices as much as possible. This way they can offer their patients expert care and quality-assured results. iLASIK represents a development in the way technology Ophthalmologists use are developing to allow them to restore sight. Being able to access a detailed blueprint of an individual eye is an innovative and productive step forward in the field of eyesight and is sure to provide excellent results.

Perfect Vision is currently the only accredited day surgery in Australia that offers iLASIK.