IntraLase Technology Redefined
This breakthrough, computer-controlled, all-laser technology with its unique IntraLase® software provides Dr. Mandel with a high technology, blade-free approach to creating the corneal flap in laser vision correction surgery. This results in unparalleled safety for the patient. The corneal flap procedure is customized by Dr. Mandel according to each individual patient's vision disorder and corneal anatomy. The patient may simply relax in comfort as the procedure is completed.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q. Why IntraLase®?
A. Conventional LASIK is a safe procedure. In fact, Dr. Mandel has successfully performed over 40,000 LASIK surgeries. While the risk of complications in his hands is very minimal, all surgery carries some degree of risk. Now, an advanced laser technology is available that reduces the risk of complications to an even lower percentage. It is known as IntraLase®.
Q. How is IntraLase® different from conventional LASIK?
A. LASIK surgery is actually a two step process. First, a flap of corneal tissue must be created and then folded back. After creating a flap in the cornea, Dr. Mandel is able to perform the laser vision correction treatment on the inner layer of the cornea by reshaping the cornea with the excimer laser.
Traditionally, the surgeon creates the corneal flap with a hand-held mechanical device which utilizes a metal blade. This method is safe and has worked well over the years. However, the performance of these devices can be unpredictable. Although LASIK complications are extremely rare, this mechanical device is the most common source of reported interoperative complications.
With IntraLase®, Dr. Mandel uses the precision of an FDA approved laser to create the corneal flap. This advanced technology puts unprecedented control in Dr. Mandel’s hands, and even allows him to customize the corneal flap for each individual patient.
Q. Is IntraLase® safer?
A. Yes. IntraLase® is considered by many to provide a safer approach to vision correction surgery. This is a result of the superior precision of a computer controlled laser as compared to that of a hand-held mechanical device for creating the flap.
Q. Is conventional LASIK unsafe?
A. No, but IntraLase® reduces even further the already low risk of intra-operative complications reported with conventional LASIK.
Q. Is IntraLase® new? How is Dr. Mandel able to offer IntraLase® when most others in the area do not?
A. The IntraLase® FS laser has been approved by the FDA and became commercially available in 2001. The IntraLase™ FS laser is the only laser that provides IntraLase®. Dr. Mandel is among an elite group of leaders in ophthalmology who continually evaluate advanced technologies and adopt them into practice as soon as he is convinced that they are safe and effective.
Q. Why is IntraLase® more expensive?
A. Advanced technologies are more expensive for the surgeon and laser center to employ in their facility. Most patients agree that the added level of safety and assurance offered by IntraLase® is well worth the additional cost when considering vision correction surgery.