LASIK Surgery: Blade vs. Bladeless

There are many options to choose from when considering laser vision correction. One of the most important aspects to understand before getting LASIK surgery is knowing the difference between a blade and bladeless procedure.

Stephen Wilmarth, MD, provides free vision consultations for patients in and around Sacramento to discuss key aspects of LASIK surgery. To learn more about blade and bladeless LASIK, please call Wilmarth Eye and Laser Center today at (916) 850-3060.

How Are Blade and Bladeless LASIK Different?

The difference between LASIK with or without a blade refers to the technology used to create a thin, hinged flap in the cornea. Once the flap is created, Dr. Wilmarth reshapes the corneal tissue underneath with a precision surgical laser to correct refractive errors affecting your vision.

Traditional LASIK uses a small surgical instrument called a microkeratome blade to cut the flap. After the flap is lifted and corneal tissue adjusted, the flap is put back in place to heal.

Bladeless LASIK, on the other hand, is an advanced version of the procedure. Instead of a microkeratome blade, Dr. Wilmarth uses a device called a femtosecond laser. The femtosecond laser creates a flap by breaking apart cells in the cornea rather than cutting into them.

As with traditional LASIK, Dr. Wilmarth will put the flap back in place to heal once your bladeless LASIK procedure is over.

Which LASIK Surgery Is Better?

Dr. Wilmarth prefers to use bladeless LASIK at his Sacramento area office. After more than 25 years of performing laser eye surgery, Dr. Wilmarth has found that the bladeless procedure creates a better flap, leading to key benefits like:

• Improved LASIK results

• Reduced risk of complications

• Less need for revision surgery as patients get older

To provide bladeless treatment, Dr. Wilmarth uses IntraLase technology. IntraLase developed the very first femtosecond laser device approved by the FDA for performing bladeless LASIK, and Dr. Wilmarth has used it for over a decade to help patients in Northern California achieve optimal vision correction.

If you’re considering LASIK, it’s important to find a surgeon with many years of experience who is adept at using the latest technology to provide results that fit your needs and lifestyle. Please contact Wilmarth Eye and Laser Center or call 916-507-1709 today to schedule your free vision consultation with veteran Sacramento LASIK surgeon Stephen Wilmarth, MD.