LASIK procedures traditionally start with the creation of a corneal flap, using a hand-held device with an oscillating metal blade (or microkeratome). With the new computer-guided IntraLase laser - used in place of the microkeratome blade - surgeons can now create a more precise flap.

Evidence from multiple peer-reviewed studies and over 400,000 clinical cases show that the IntraLase laser can create a safer flap than the mechanical microkeratome, and can provide more patients with better than 20/20 vision.

"A major key to better than 20/20 vision is in the flap," states Dr. Machat at TLC, where over 90% of LASIK patients are currently choosing to have the IntraLase procedure done. "The role of the corneal flap, previously overlooked, is now known to be a major contributing factor to the visual outcomes of the overall procedure," he said. "And after thousands of cases," Dr. Machat adds, "we have found the increased safety of the IntraLase laser to have significantly reduced the patient's fear during the procedure." TLC Toronto was the first Canadian clinic to offer the IntraLase procedure in March, 2003.

"The IntraLase technology is a significant step towards increasing visual quality after LASIK", says Dr. Herzig from the Herzig Eye Institute. He states, "Combined with wavefront custom LASIK our patients are now achieving better vision than they get with their glasses and contact lenses."

Dr. Rootman, from the Yonge Eglinton Laser Eye Centre states, "We constantly strive to provide the latest LASIK technology, in order to achieve the safest and best results for our patients. And the IntraLase laser is one of the most recent advancements LASIK science has to offer." "Many LASIK candidates," he believes, "have long awaited the development of this safer, 'bladeless' technology."

How The IntraLase Laser Works

The ultra-fast IntraLase FS femtosecond (fem-to-second) laser creates a corneal flap of precise depth, diameter and centration using an infrared beam. The silent beam of laser light is focused to a precise point within the stroma (central layer of the cornea) where each pulse of the laser creates a tiny 2- to 3-micron bubble of carbon dioxide and water vapour. Thousands of these microscopic bubbles are precisely positioned to define the flap's dimensions, as well as the location of the hinge. Bubbles are then stacked along the edge of the flap up to the corneal surface to complete the flap. The process from start to finish takes approximately 45 seconds. The surgeon then lifts the flap to allow for treatment by the excimer laser. When treatment is complete, the flap is repositioned.

For further information: Sigmacon Medical Products, 1-800-898-7455