How Does Blade Free LASIK Work?

March 15th, 2013
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For people who suffer from common vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, blade free LASIK may be the solution.  However, it is important to understand how blade free LASIK works when making the decision to undergo the procedure.

Use Of Lasers, Not Blades

For many years, surgeons performed traditional LASIK surgery using a microkeratome blade to create a very thin flap on the cornea, the surface of the eye.  In traditional LASIK surgery, this blade does not allow for the precise accuracy in flap size, shape and thickness as does the laser used in blade free LASIK.

Blade Free HD LASIK Surgery

During blade free HD LASIK surgery, the doctor uses a femtosecond laser that creates thousands of microscopic bubbles of gas and water, which expand and connect to lift the corneal surface, creating a flap.  The flap is gently folded back so that the doctor can use an excimer LASIK laser to reshape the corneal surface to improve vision.  Once the cornea is shaped properly, the flap is replaced and is self-sealing, so no stitches are used to keep it in position.

After Surgery

After blade free LASIK, patients are encouraged to return home and rest. Recovery is generally quite rapid, and patients are often able to resume most normal tasks the next day.

It is important that patients follow the post-operative eye drop regimen as indicated to aid in the healing process. Additionally, you will have several follow-up appointments over the following months to check your vision.

For patients with common refractory problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, blade free LASIK is an excellent option to increase vision freedom for many glasses and contacts wearers.  For more information on blade free HD LASIK, feel free to visit us at LASIK Surgery.

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