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Patients considering LASIK eye surgery may come across medical jargon, such as "blade" and "bladeless" LASIK. To a layman, such terms might appear overwhelming. However, as a patient you must know the difference between the two surgery types, and the rewards and risks associated with each.

Traditional LASIK makes use of a microkeratome to cut a thin hinged flap in the cornea. The flap is then folded back to reveal the stroma - the middle layer of the cornea. A high precision laser, called the excimer laser, is used to reshape the corneal surface so as to correct any refractive error. The flap is then repositioned to act as a natural bandage. Since the microkeratome used to create a flap is in fact a surgical blade, the procedure is also known as blade LASIK.

A more recent innovation, introduced in 1999, makes use of a high energy laser (IntraLase or femtosecond laser) to create a flap during surgery. As opposed to traditional LASIK, IntraLase does not employ a surgical blade, and hence the procedure is often marketed as "bladeless" or "all laser" LASIK. The term itself has raged a debate among eye surgeons, as to whether it should be used in IntraLase advertisements or not. Several surgeons assert that the term "bladeless" implies that traditional LASIK, which makes use of a surgical blade (microkeratome), is a scarier proposition, when in fact it's not.

The creation of the flap is an important part of the laser eye surgery procedure. It's true that flap predictability is better with a laser flap, that is, with bladeless LASIK. Moreover, there is a reduced possibility of flap complications, such as partial flaps, flap dislocation, free flaps etc. However, an expert surgeon wielding a contemporary microkeratome can very well match the finesse of bladeless LASIK. Although the chances are rare, there is an issue of transient light sensitivity as well - a unique risk associated with bladeless LASIK. Moreover, the bladeless LASIK procedure costs an extra $300 per eye, when compared with traditional LASIK.

All said and done, LASIK itself is one of the safest refractive surgery procedure. Whether it's blade or bladeless, it largely depends on the eye surgeon of your choice. If the surgeon has loads of experience carrying out microkeratome procedures, it's better to have it that way. If otherwise, you may go in for the relatively new bladeless LASIK surgery.

Finding a LASIK surgery that you are confident about will be able to give you more information about blade and bladeless LASIK.

In most cases laser eye surgery is safe. But, like any other surgical procedure there are certain risks that need to be addressed. A large number of patients have been able to stop wearing glasses after surgery and have achieved 20/40 vision, or better, that have been cases where patients have a decreased vision after surgery. There are some things that need to be taken into account before choosing a "safe" laser eye surgery.

Corneal Haze

This is a common side effect of laser eye surgery, but usually fades with time, although not always. It can't be corrected with contact lenses or glasses, but only a further surgery procedure to treat scarring, such as CustomVue WaveFront.

Decreased 20/20 Vision

Many types of laser eye surgery can leave scarred tissue, resulting in a 20/20 vision lower than the one the patient used to experience before treatment. Over corrected or under corrected vision is also a common side effect of laser eye surgery. In such cases, glasses or contact lenses may still be needed or the patient may be recommended a second surgery for more effectiveness.

Vision Loss

Laser surgery procedures which use a microkeratome blade to cut a flap involve the risk of cutting it off instead of leaving it hinged. If the flap is damaged, the patient may suffer vision loss. Successful procedures that use a blade can still leave small imperfections that can result in blurred vision.

Post Operative Infections

Choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon is certainly helpful to make laser eye surgery safe, but there's always the risk of post operative infection. This risk is higher in PRK and LASEK than LASIK. In most cases, these infections can be treated with medication and usually don't turn into long-term problems. However, more sever complications ca result into temporary vision loss or even worse. The healing process is longer for PRK and LASEK than LASIK.

It is important to not have extremely high expectations about laser eye surgery, This treatment may not be suitable for some people. There are some things to consider, such as "Is laser eye surgery safe?", "are your expectations reasonable?", and "Is laser eye surgery safe for you?" In order to answer these questions you have to learn more about what to expect from each type of laser eye surgery. You should know the positives and negatives of them all, and talk to your doctor about what is best for you.

Laser eye surgery is not a good choice for everyone. Pregnant women, people who suffer from diabetes, patients who have problems with binocular visions, thin corneas, dry eyes or large pupils may not be good candidates for this type of treatment.

The use of computer technology in medical science has been extending during recent years. Laser eye surgery has become more and more popular, while non-laser procedures have also improved. Although many people think that LASIK is the only type of refractive surgery, there are in fact various types of eye surgery for correcting vision.

Laser Eye Surgery

These procedures involve the use of a laser to reshape the cornea in order to improve the eye's ability to focus. There are several types of laser eye surgery, such as LASIK, LASEK, Intralense or PRK.

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)

This procedure is used to treat astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness. The surgeon removes a flap through the outer and middle layer of the cornea and then uses an excimer laser to remove tissue under the flap. This type of eye surgery usually takes about one minute per eye.

Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)

LASEK is very similar to LASIK, except for the fact that the flap is cut only from the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium). It is used mostly for patients with thin corneas, who are not eligible for LASIK. It is a newer procedure with a few drawbacks, such as more discomfort and slightly longer healing period.

IntraLense

This type of eye surgery is also very similar to LASIK, except that the surgeon uses an extra laser instead of a blade to create the flap in the outer layers.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

This procedure is used to treat astigmatism, nearsightedness and mild to moderate farsightedness. A laser is used to remove tissue from the outer layer of the cornea and correct vision. The surgeon doesn't cut any flap in the cornea. The surgery usually lasts less than a minute.

Non-laser Eye Surgery

These surgical procedures involve improving vision by cutting into the surface of the eye, reshaping the cornea or using low heat radio waves. Astigmatic keratotomy incisions, intraocular lenses and implantable contact lenses are among the most common non-laser eye surgery procedures.

Astigmatic Keratotomy Incisions

This procedure is used to correct mild astigmatism. Bulgy areas of the cornea are reshaped by using a blade. Many patients undergo such a treatment in conjunction with other types of eye surgery. However, it is now less frequently used than laser eye surgery procedures, such as PRK or LASIK.

Implantable Contact Lenses

These are implantation devices used to treat severe farsightedness and nearsightedness. The lens is placed behind the iris, in front of the natural lens of the eye. Unlike normal contact lenses, you can't feel them and they don't need maintenance. The procedure can take from 6 to 20 minutes.

Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

This type of eye surgery has been around for many decades now and the lenses are usually implanted during a cataract surgery to replace the natural lens of the eye. Years ago, these lenses used to help only with distance vision and patients needed to wear glasses for close vision. However, the method has been improved and now helps with close and intermediate vision as well.

While many surgeons prefer laser procedures and the newest technologies, some still advise a small number of patients to choose a non-laser surgery instead. All eye surgery procedures involve certain risks and have possible side effects, so it is best to consult a physician to fill you in with all the details about each treatment.