How Does Intralase iFS Works?
Intralase iFS technology is an advanced corneal flap creating technology that has been approved by the FDA a few years ago. In summary, it is a bladeless procedure done by a femtosecond laser system. Intralase femtosecond technology will create a precise corneal flap much faster than other LASIK procedures and it will be done with lesser complications. In a conventional LASIK surgery, a microkeratome is used to make the corneal flap. But in an Intralase femtosecond procedure, microkeratome is not used in the creation of corneal flap. Instead, explains Dr. Boothe, the laser system, guided by the doctor, creates the flap. The safety level of this procedure is higher when compared to the conventional LASIK procedure. Intralase iFS surgery provides more control and tools to ensure an accurate result and the procedure can be completed faster.
Interlase iFS uses lower energy in comparison with competing lasers and due to this reason, complications such as inflammation or tissue damage in the cornea are less likely to occur. According to Dr. Boothe, this procedure helps him to customize the flap he creates to match the individual cornea shape of each patient. Effortless flap lift is possible with this procedure. Thinner flaps can be created and there is a less chances patients will develop dry eye problems. The creation of the flap can be done within thirty seconds - sometimes it will even take less than ten seconds. Intralase iFS eliminates risks such as irregular flaps, decentered flaps, epithelial defects, micro perforations and free flaps or button hole.
Bubbles are formed underneath the cornea in a small layer during the procedure following a laser program which is pre-determined by Dr. Boothe. The laser will move in and out to form the bubbles. The bubbles will be stacked around the cornea and they are used for the creation of flap edges. After the creation of the corneal flap is completed, the flap will be folded back to allow a second procedure to be performed - reshaping the corneal tissue below. This process is also done with a laser that can correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. After completing the corneal reshaping, the flap of the cornea is replaced. Dr. Boothe will decide on the angle at which the bubbles have to be stacked as part of this personalized procedure.
People who already had a LASIK eye surgery in the past and are still suffering from vision problems can undergo an Intralase iFS procedure to correct their vision further. Intralase iFS creates corneal flaps which are two and half times stronger than those created with blade-based LASIK. This procedure also eliminates the possibility of induced distortion of the cornea during the reshaping which is possible in blade-based LASIK. Most of Dr. Boothe patients achieve 20/20 vision with this Intralase iFS procedure.
Human error and mechanical breakdown are also reduced with Intralase iFS surgery. Cleaner cutting of the corneal flap is achieved in laser dependent Intralase iFS eye surgery as this procedure does not pose the risk of non-sterilization. Sterilization errors are more common in blade-based Lasik. In very rare cases, rainbow effect and photophobia are reported. Recovery time from an Intralase iFS procedure is the same as that of the traditional LASIK. For more information about Dr. Boothe and to see whether you can get the Intralase iFS done on your eyes, please visit boothelasercenter.com.