The goal of LASIK is to reshape the deep tissues of the cornea to improve vision by surgically and permanently correcting refractive errors. If you are looking to reduce or eliminate your dependence on prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, LASIK may be a great option for you. LASIK has a highly successful satisfaction rate with 99% of patients achieving 20/40 vision and 90% achieving 20/20 vision. Eligibility requirements include being age 18 or older, a stable prescription for at least 2 years, no active corneal disease, not being pregnant or nursing, no significant medical or eye problems, no significant dry eye, cannot have too large of pupils and cannot have too thin corneas because an appropriate amount of corneal thickness is necessary for creating the flap in LASIK surgery. The means by which the corneal flap is created is the key difference between traditional LASIK and bladeless LASIK.

How does Bladeless LASIK work? Compared to traditional LASIK, where the surgeon uses a blade to create a flap in the flattened corneal tissue and then uses a laser to reshape the cornea, bladeless LASIK uses the laser to remove the outer layer of the corneal layer instead. In traditional LASIK, the surgeon removes the corneal tissue with a blade and then corrects the refractive errors with the laser, bladeless LASIK utilizes the laser for both aspects of the procedure. Traditional LASIK was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1990 and overtime new lasers and technology have only improved its success rate. Bladeless LASIK was discovered in 1992 by accident when a student inadvertently hit his eye with a laser and perfectly created a corneal flap in the process. By 2013, it was proven that bladeless LASIK is just as effective if not more so than traditional LASIK. Both options are safe and produce the same results, recovery timeline, financial costs and similar potential side effects. LASIK side effects include dry eyes, itching, halos and a slight burning sensation as the tissues heal. Unique side effects of bladeless LASIK include light sensitivity, rainbow glare and bubbles in the eye tissue.

Choosing bladeless over traditional LASIK gives the benefit of no stitches to hold the flap in place. This is really the most notable difference between the 2 procedures. Whichever LASIK option you choose, make sure you are under the care of a board-certified LASIK surgeon to treat your nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Clear, sharp vision is almost guaranteed with either LASIK option.

For an eye evaluation or LASIK surgery consultation, call The Eye Clinic Surgicenter at 406-252-6608 or choose from the dates and appointment times available here WEBSITE.