Blade Free Lasik

The Safest Option! Performed in Our NEW State of the Art Lasik Suite

What is Blade Free Lasik?
During Lasik, Dr. Carlin first creates a thin flap in the cornea, which he then lifts so that the excimer laser energy can be applied to reshape the bed and correct the vision. Previously, the flap was fashioned with a mechanical microkeratome which used a blade that glided across the cornea. The newest, safest and most advanced option is now to create the flap using a special femtosecond laser instead of a blade.

Are there disadvantages of using a “bladed” keratome?
Rarely, the keratome may not create an adequately large, central and smooth flap. It may even result in a “buttonhole” in the flap. Also, because of blade and patient peculiarities, the depth of the flap is more variable which may leave inadequate room for treatment in patients with thin corneas. If a problem arises with the flap, the procedure must be aborted and other options considered.

How often does an inadequate flap occur and can it affect the vision?
It is rather rare and the results do vary from surgeon to surgeon. At CarlinVision, inadequate flaps abort the procedure 0.01% of the time. In some cases, due to scarring and irregular healing, it can affect the vision.

How does the femtosecond laser create the flap?
Rather than cutting the flap with a blade, the femtosecond laser uses computer guided energy to split the minute atomic bonds holding the molecules in the cornea together. By moving across the cornea, it creates a precise plane which becomes a flap when lifted.

Why is this safer?
First, and most importantly, if a femtosecond flap is not adequate, it can usually be remade after a short wait and the procedure completed. Second, the laser is much more precise than a mechanical keratome so the flap achieves near perfect proportions with very little deviation from the intended flap thickness.

Does Blade Free Lasik cost more?
Progressive technologies are usually more expensive. The trade-off is added safety and security but at a higher cost.

FREE EVALUATION! Contact Diana, our Vision Correction Facilitator.

[Pictured: Our Lasik Team. Clockwise: Dr. Carlin, Tiffany, Kristy, Mandy, Diana]