With IntraLase, Dr. Frangie believes he can further reduce  the risks of complications and give our patients a new level of confidence in vision correction surgery.

Q.    How is IntraLase different from traditional LASIK?

LASIK surgery is a two step process.  First, the surgeon must gain access to your cornea by creating a flap of tissue.  The tissue is then folded back and the surgeon is able to perform laser vision correction treatment on the inner layer of the cornea.
 
Traditionally, this flap was created with a hand held  mechanical device which uses a metal blade.  The blade makes a pass across your eye and actually creates a cut in the cornea.  By using a blade, the surgeon is NOT able to allow for total customization of the flap.  Customization is vital to the predictability and reliability of your vision correction procedure.  Although this method has worked well  over the years, the performance of these devices can be unpredictable.  Without a great flap, you may not get great results.
 
Now that you know LASIK is a two step process it is easy to understand why both parts of the procedure are so important and why Dr. Frangie has invested in obtaining technology that will produce the best results during both parts of the procedure.

Intralase technology is the essential component of better vision.  Instead of using the hand help mechanical device which can be at times unpredictable, we have committed to using the IntraLase laser as a featured component of your surgical treatment plan.  IntraLase uses the precision of a laser to gain access to your cornea.  It gives Dr. Frangie the ability to customize your flap, giving you a uniquely safer and precise correction.

Q.     Is IntraLase safer?

Yes.  IntraLase is considered to many to provide a safer approach to vision correction surgery.  This is a result of the superior precision of the computer controlled laser as compared to that of a hand-held mechanical device.  The mechanical device houses a metal blade which cuts across the cornea to create the flap.  IntraLase accomplishes the flap procedure with a laser instead of a blade, and does not travel across the cornea; these features reduce the risk of complications.
 
IntraLase provides a safer procedure because of its precision.  This precision was documented in studies conducted for the FDA clearance of the laser, where accuracy of flap thickness was demonstrated at +/- 10 microns.  Precise flap thickness is critical to a successful LASIK outcome and IntraLase created flaps feature a consistent thickness from edge to edge.  Again, this  degree of accuracy is unprecedented in flap creation technology to date.
 
Finally, greater flap stability was also demonstrated with IntraLase flaps in studies for the laser's FDA submission.  Although the incidence of flap slippage is rare in LASIK, the consequences can be quite problematical. The assurance that the IntraLase created flap will be securely  re-positioned without incident provides added peace of mind for many patients.

Q.     Is traditional LASIK unsafe?

No, but IntraLase reduces the risk of complications reported with traditional LASIK, and we feel that is very important for our patients.

Q.     Is IntraLase new?  How is Dr. Frangie able to offer
        IntraLase when others in the area are not?

The INTRALASE FS laser has been cleared by the FDA and became commercially available in 2001. Dr. Frangie is among an elite group of key opinion leaders in ophthalmology who continually evaluate advanced technologies and adopt them into practice as soon as they become available.

        
Q.     How would you compare the visual outcomes
        using IntraLase with those of traditional LASIK?

Today it is known that visual outcomes with IntraLase are comparable with those of traditional LASIK. (Studies just now available that show that results with IntraLase are even better.)

Q.     I have seen several advertisements for "All Laser LASIK".
        Is this IntraLase?

Be sure to ask for IntraLase by name. Only IntraLase offers the safety of micron level precision of a truly all laser surgical approach.  Other providers may advertise all laser, but you should ensure that IntraLase is indeed being used to create your flap.  Your surgical provider should be happy to answer any questions you may have about your procedure in great detail.

Q.     A very close friend had traditional LASIK surgery with 
        Dr. Frangie and today enjoys 20/20 vision.  Why should I
        pay more for IntraLase?

Because we feel this is essential technology that significantly raises the standard to safety in vision correction surgery, we are recommending IntraLase for all of our patients.  You should discuss your concerns directly with Dr. Frangie as certain vision disorders and corneal anatomy may be associated with a higher degree of risk.  Dr. Frangie will help you decide which is best for you.

Q.     Is IntraLase more expensive?

Advanced technologies are more expensive for the surgeon to employ in his practice.  Most patients agree that the added level of safety and assurance offered by IntraLase is well worth the additional cost when considering vision correction surgery.