Traditional vs Bladeless LASIK: Which is Right for Me?

Traditionally, LASIK surgeons used special microkeratome blades to cut the flap of the cornea and allow lasers to correct a patient’s vision. However, in recent years a bladeless alternative to traditional LASIK surgery has been gaining popularity. The main difference between the two procedures is how the surgeons create the corneal flap.

Traditional and bladeless LASIK surgery have the same working principle; they only differ in the flap creation aspect. Contrary to popular belief, there is minimal discomfort in the traditional procedure.

Traditional LASIK procedures may seem like the default, but not everybody is ideal for this type of surgery. With advanced technology, the introduction of the new bladeless technique has helped to serve a wide range of patients, especially those who have complex refractive errors.

What is LASIK Surgery?

LASIK is a laser eye surgery commonly performed on patients suffering from shortsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

It is a procedure meant to correct the cornea and reshape it so that it can focus light on the retina and give a clear vision. It is a simple procedure, and it takes only 15 minutes to perform the surgery. Furthermore, it is very effective, and patients can start to note the difference in their vision in less than 24 hours after the surgery.

How LASIK Surgery Works

Both traditional and bladeless LASIK follow the same procedure with only a few differences. The surgeon ensures the patient is in position and administers anesthetic eye drop. This is meant to remove any discomfort during the surgery. After confirming the patient is as comfortable as possible, the surgeon creates a flap on the cornea using either a blade or a femtosecond laser.

The hinged flap is moved back so that the surgeon can access the cornea. Using a particular type of laser popularly referred to as the excimer laser, the surgeon removes some cornea tissues. The procedure reshapes the cornea, thus correcting any vision problems.

Patients are allowed to rest for some time after the surgery. At this time, the technicians can monitor the patient’s reaction. It is normal to experience temporary itching. A post-operative test is then performed on patients to ensure the surgery was successful.

Which Type of LASIK Surgery Procedure is Safer

The two surgical procedures are among the safest medical procedures out there. However, there are some things that bladeless LASIK can do better than the traditional surgery procedure.

Microkeratomes produce flaps that are thinner at the center, while laser flaps have consistent thickness. This uniform thickness lowers the risks of complications that may result from the surgery. This consistency makes the bladeless LASIK procedure ideal for patients with the thin or more curved cornea.

Which Procedure is Right For You?

Discussing the unique needs of your eyesight with an expert is your best option for determining which LASIK procedure is best for you. Kung Eye Center has innovative technology to perform all eye surgeries and restore your perfect vision. In addition, our doctors have many years of experience, providing you with the best services possible. You can also take our self-test to begin the process of discovering if LASIK is an option for you.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are considering having LASIK surgery, the innovation of Bladeless LASIK may be right for you. Consult our experts at Kung Eye by calling or filling out our online contact form to schedule an appointment today.