Laser microkeratome, or a mechanical microkeratome?!
Question: I'll be seeing a few doctors for Lasik Wavefront Eye surgery, and it looks like I'm a good candidate for this surgery. There are 2 ways of creating a corneal flap, and apparently Intralasik surgery is 'better' and more expensive since it relies on the accuracy of a laser rather than a mechanical microkeratome. I'm still a newbiew with Lasik Surgery, but for people who have had this done, does it matter? Should I pay extra for the laser microkeratome surgery?
Answers: I'll be seeing a few doctors for Lasik Wavefront Eye surgery, and it looks like I'm a good candidate for this surgery. There are 2 ways of creating a corneal flap, and apparently Intralasik surgery is 'better' and more expensive since it relies on the accuracy of a laser rather than a mechanical microkeratome. I'm still a newbiew with Lasik Surgery, but for people who have had this done, does it matter? Should I pay extra for the laser microkeratome surgery?
This is a debatable question even within the opthalmic community. Some studies show intralase surgery to give superior results to a bladed microkeratome. But remember, bladed microkeratome LASIK surgery has been done for YEARS with EXCELLENT results across the board. My personal opinion is that the supposed benefits of intralase are not worth the added cost. It is much more important to improving the profitability of laser centers than it is to improving the results of your surgery. That's my two cents.