LASIK is probably the first option that comes to mind when you think of vision correction surgery. But did you know there’s a more advanced version of this procedure called iLASIK?
While both reshape the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, iLASIK does so with no blades, only lasers.
At Austin Eye Clinic, our renowned ophthalmic surgeons exclusively perform iLASIK because it offers the highest customization and best outcomes. Read on to learn more about the differences between iLASIK and LASIK.
Why iLASIK is the Safer, More Precise Choice
While traditional LASIK has been a trusted vision correction method for years, iLASIK takes safety and precision to the next level.
We offer conventional iLASIK, which uses a standard phoropter prescription to guide the excimer laser. This corrects about 90% of lower-order aberrations.
We also offer custom iLASIK, which uses a wavefront aberrometer to map lower and higher-order aberrations and creates a 100% customized treatment that improves vision quality, especially at night.
During vision correction, your surgeon creates a thin, hinged layer of corneal tissue with a laser (iLASIK) or blade (LASIK,) allowing the underlying cornea to be reshaped for vision correction. That distinction leads to the dramatic differences between the two surgeries.
Comparing iLASIK and LASIK
Here’s how the iLASIK and LASIK compare:
- Corneal Flap Creation: iLASIK uses a computer-guided femtosecond infrared laser to create an ultra-precise corneal flap. LASIK uses a mechanical microkeratome blade, which has more variability in flap creation.
- Flap Precision: iLASIK provides computer-calculated precision, tailoring flap thickness, size, and shape to each eye. LASIK can be less predictable, relying on manual technique and blade quality.
- Visual Aberrations: iLASIK minimizes the risk of glare, halos, and night vision issues. LASIK is more likely to cause higher-order aberrations, leading to glare or halos.
- Flap Complications: With iLASIK, there’s no risk of corneal abrasions or incomplete flaps. Complications are rare (1–2%) with LASIK but can severely impact vision if they occur.
- Vision Correction Accuracy: iLASIK provides outstanding precision, delivering better outcomes than standard LASIK.
- Need for Retreatment: iLASIK has lower retreatment rates (2–5%), meaning fewer patients need enhancements. LASIK has higher retreatment rates (5–15%), requiring more adjustments over time.
- Overall Patient Safety: iLASIK is the safest, most reliable way to create the corneal flap. Although LASIK is generally safe it has higher complication rates (3–5%).
Austin Eye Clinic is committed to offering only the safest, most effective vision correction technology. That’s why our laser eye procedures use iLASIK technology.
iLASIK in Austin
If you’re seeking the most precise, safest, and most effective laser vision correction, iLASIK is the clear choice. Call 512-250-2020 to schedule a consultation at our Austin office and determine if iLASIK suits you.
