Blade or Bladeless LASIK?
LASIK, the laser treatment of refractive errors, is very widely performed. During LASIK, a flap is lifted from the cornea (the clear front layer of the eye) and laser is applied under this…
LASIK, the laser treatment of refractive errors, is very widely performed. During LASIK, a flap is lifted from the cornea (the clear front layer of the eye) and laser is applied under this flap to give the cornea a new shape.
This flap is created in two ways: either the cut is made with an automated blade called a microkeratome, or it is made with another laser device called a femtosecond laser. When the flap is cut with a laser, this is called femto-LASIK or bladeless LASIK.
People considering LASIK can be confused about which method is more effective. In fact, the method used to lift the flap does not affect the clarity of vision.
Advantages of the Femtosecond Laser
The femtosecond laser is recommended especially for patients whose corneas are steeper or flatter than normal, in whom it is considered safer. In high myopia and in thin corneas the femtosecond laser is preferred because it lifts a thinner flap. Special microkeratome blades also exist for creating thinner flaps.
Disadvantages of the Femtosecond Laser
The disadvantages of the femtosecond laser are its high cost and the longer duration of the procedure. With a blade, the procedure takes 10–15 minutes in total for both eyes; with a femtosecond laser it takes longer, because the time needed to move from one laser device to the other is added.
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This article is for general information only and does not replace a medical examination or personalised medical advice.