Q: Why is LASIK a double step procedure?
A: When laser vision correction was performed without the corneal flap, as in PRK (photorefractive keratotomy), patients experienced considerable discomfort and a delay in visual acuity. So in LASIK, the surgeon first creates a micro-thin flap of corneal tissue and folds it back to prepare the eye for the second step, where an excimer laser is used on the inner cornea to correct vision. This two-step process allows for rapid visual recovery with little or no patient discomfort, and is credited with the popularity and growth of the procedure worldwide.

Q: What is Bladeless LASIK?
A: Bladeless LASIK uses the VisuMax laser to complete the first step of the LASIK procedure. It is an advancement to make LASIK an all-laser procedure.

Bladeless LASIK is noted for improving the safety and accuracy of LASIK by replacing oscillating microkeratome blade historically used in the first step. Today, Bladeless LASIK is the technology of choice amongst leading LASIK surgeons and ophthalmic teaching institutions worldwide. The VisuMax Laser is the latest generation of a class of lasers known as femtosecond lasers, including the Intralase and FemtoLDV lasers.

Q: How does the corneal flap affect visual outcomes?
A: New science reveals that the corneal flap has been widely underestimated for its affect on the visual outcome of LASIK. If the corneal surface is left with fine aberrations after the cut with the handheld blade, the precision of the excimer tissue ablation, the second step, can be compromised. Eliminating tiny irregularities on the corneal surface, as is possible with Bladeless LASIK, gives a boost to the vision after the procedure.

Surgeons have found statistically and clinically significant differences in the vision patients achieve when the femtosecond laser is used for corneal flap creation. Bladeless LASIK goes beyond simply creating a safer, planar flap to preparing an optimal corneal architecture below the flap, providing for superior visual outcomes, even among patients who undergo wavefront guided procedures. The end result: fewer complications and better vision.

Q: Is this the same as the Customized/personalized procedure I have heard so much about?
A: No. Custom LASIK, also known variously as Z-LASIK, C-LASIK and Zyoptix generally refers to individualized visual diagnosis with technology called “wavefront,” which allows for customized, personalized treatment with the excimer laser. However,at New Vision Laser Centers, we often combine Custom treatments and Bladeless LASIK to give the most advanced procedure available.

Q: Is conventional LASIK unsafe?
A: No. While traditional LASIK is a successful and relatively safe procedure, Bladeless LASIK makes it safer by virtually eliminating the severe, sight-threatening complications of the microkeratome. Bladeless LASIK  is not only 100 times more accurate, but it also provides patients with superior visual outcomes. These facts are giving thousands of patients each month the confidence to proceed with laser vision correction.

Q: How do the visual outcomes of femtosecond LASIK compare to traditional LASIK with a blade?
A: Clinical studies confirm that patients achieve better vision with femtosecond LASIK. Data shows:

• More patients achieve 20/20 or better vision with Bladeless LASIK.
• Patients stating a preference preferred the post-operative vision of their femtosecond-treated eye 3-to-1 over their blade-treated eye.
• Bladeless LASIK creates fewer high- and low-order aberrations, associated with night glare and halos.
• Patients treated with Bladeless LASIK have a reduced incidence of post-operative dry eye symptoms.
• Bladeless patients required fewer enhancement procedures following LASIK.
• The precision of the femtosecond flap significantly reduces the incidence of post-operative induced astigmatism as compared to a microkeratome-created flap.

Q: Are the  benefits of Bladeless LASIK only achievable with Custom procedures?
A: No. Bladeless LASIK improves the safety, precision and visual results of LASIK, whether you choose a standard or custom procedure.

Q: What about side effects such as transient light sensitivity and inflammation?
A:  Femtosecond lasers have on rare occasions, some patients have reported transient light sensitivity (photophobia) following IntraLase-initiated LASIK due to a temporary inflammatory response. Bladeless LASIK at New Vision Laser Centers minimizes these problems, because the lower pulse energy and higher frequency of the VisuMax Laser, compared with the Intralase laser, allows a much gentler and tissue friendly procedure than Intralase LASIK.

Q: I have seen several advertisements for “All-Laser LASIK.” Is this Bladeless LASIK?
A: Maybe. Contrary to popular belief, LASIK is not an “all-laser” procedure, due to the use of the microkeratome blade. Bladeless  is one of the few laser technologies available today for use in the first step of the LASIK procedure and only LASIK procedures that use the femtosecond laser can be considered “all-laser.”

Your doctor can explain the difference between other procedures that may be advertised as “all laser,” such as LASEK, PRK or epi-LASIK  or ASA– all of which are surface ablation procedures. Because they are performed without creating a corneal flap, these procedures generally require longer healing time and frequently involve more discomfort and a delay in visual recovery.

Q: Is Bladeless LASIK more expensive?
A: Yes. Most patients agree that the added level of safety and better vision offered by Bladeless LASIK is worth the incremental cost. New Vision Laser Centers are leaders in the field of refractive laser surgery inIndia, and we continually evaluate advances in technology. We have determined that Bladeless LASIK is the most sophisticated and accurate system available today for flap creation and have invested in the technology to sustain our superiority in patient care.

Q: Is there something even more advanced than Bladeless LASIK available?

A: Yes, New Vision Laser Centers now offers ReLEx SMILE, all femtosecond laser refractive correction. ReLEx SMILE offers several advantages even over Bladeless LASIK.

Q: Where is Bladeless LASIK available in India?

A: Bladeless LASIK is currently available at New Vision Laser Centers in Vadodara, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Surat. ReLEx SMILE is offered at Vadodara, Mumbai and Hyderabad.