The iFS Intralase Laser (the laser that creates the flap)
Proven Technology: The iFS laser is the only FDA-cleared femtosecond laser 
proven with more than 10 years of clinical research improving both the safety and precision of LASIK.
Proven Results: Patients who choose the IntraLase Method with the iFS laser experience faster visual recovery, fewer dry eye symptoms, and maximum flap stability – three times that of a microkeratome-created flap.
Proven Performance: Good enough for NASA, branches of the U.S. Military, and you: NASA astronauts and U.S. pilots can have laser vision correction surgery today because of the exclusive, validated safety and precision performance of the IntraLase Method.
Individualized Treatment: The iFS laser allows the surgeon to customize your corneal flap based on the precise profile of your cornea.
Trusted Track Record: The blade-free IntraLase Method has been effective in nearly four million procedures worldwide, with the iFS laser representing five generations of IntraLase innovation.
- IntraLase is the first blade-free laser technology for performing the initial step of the LASIK procedure — creating the corneal flap.
- Traditionally, this first step was done manually using a hand-held device with an oscillating metal razor blade, called a microkeratome.
- While LASIK is a successful and relatively safe procedure, the majority of complications with LASIK arise from the use of microkeratomes.
- IntraLase makes every LASIK procedure safer and better by virtually eliminating severe sight-threatening blade-related LASIK complications.
- In addition to superior safety, clinical studies show patients see better following LASIK with IntraLase than with the hand-held blade.
- IntraLase delivers micron-level accuracy more than 100 times greater than a microkeratome.
- IntraLase improves the overall safety profile and visual results of LASIK, whether patients choose a custom or standard treatment.
- Unlike the microkeratome blade, which cuts across the cornea to create the flap, IntraLase creates the flap from below the surface of the cornea.
- The beam of laser light precisely positions tiny microscopic bubbles within the central layer of the cornea to define the flap’s dimensions and distinct beveled edge, as well as location of the hinge.
- Thousands of these bubbles are then stacked along the edge of the flap up to the corneal surface to complete the flap.
- The process from start to finish takes approximately 45 seconds.
- The surgeon then lifts the corneal flap to allow for treatment by the excimer laser. When treatment is complete, the flap is accurately repositioned, thanks to its beveled edge.
- Improved Safety
- Better Vision
- Fewer Retreatments
- Reduced Dry Eye Symptoms
- Highest Degree of Predictability and Precision
- Personalized flaps
- Fewer high- and low-order aberrations, which can be associated with night glare and halos
- When given a choice, 78 percent of patients choose IntraLase-initiated LASIK rather than the blade.
- In clinical trials, 98 percent of IntraLase-initiated LASIK eyes achieved 20/20 or better vision.
- Clinical trial patients who had IntraLase on one eye and the blade on the other preferred the vision of their IntraLase-treated eye 3-to-1 over their blade-treated eye (those with a stated preference).
- Clinical trial tests performed to diagnose dry eye show IntraLase reduces symptoms as much as
72 percent.
