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Bladeless LASIK – How it Works & FAQs

Home / Laser Eye Surgery Guide 2023 / Bladeless LASIK

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LASIK involves reshaping tissues deep within the eye. In traditional LASIK, doctors use a blade, creating a flap that can be lifted for the laser. In bladeless LASIK, doctors use a laser to create the flap instead. 

Both traditional and bladeless LASIK are very safe surgeries that can reduce your reliance on glasses and contacts. Keep reading to find out how it works and what to expect.

What Is Bladeless LASIK?

LASIK surgeries involve reshaping corneal tissues deep within the eye. To access the surgical field, doctors must remove an outer layer. Bladeless LASIK (or all-laser LASIK or IntraLase LASIK) involves using a laser to create a thin layer of cornea that can be folded back during surgery and then replaced.

Doctors use a laser to create a flap in bladeless LASIK. In traditional versions, doctors use a special tool (a microkeratome) to create a flap. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says both versions are safe.

eye doctor examining woman's eye

LASIK works by helping your cornea focus light on the retina in the back of your eye. It treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Traditional LASIK was approved by the FDA in the 1990s. Since then, researchers have developed new lasers and new procedures to make it even safer and more effective. Bladeless LASIK is one of those advancements.

Key Facts About Bladeless LASIK

Of people who have LASIK, 99 percent achieve better than 20/40 vision, and more than 90 percent achieve 20/20 vision or better.

How Does Bladeless LASIK Work?

Your cornea is the target of LASIK. Lasers reshape this tissue, but they must remove the outer corneal layer first. Bladeless LASIK uses a laser for this step.

Bladeless LASIK works similar to how LASIK works. l Whether you use traditional or bladeless LASIK. Your doctor numbs your eye, flattens your corneal tissue, and creates a flap. Then, lasers reshape your eye. The flap is replaced, and your eyes are allowed to heal.

Who Is Eligible for Bladeless LASIK?

Even though LASIK is an effective method to treat various vision problems, the surgery is not for everyone. Eye doctors determine eligibility based on medical history and a physical examination.

To meet the requirements for LASIK you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a  prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses that has beene stable for a minimum of two to three years.
  • Not have a history of active corneal disease.
  • Not have significant medical or eye problems.
  • Not be pregnant or nursing a baby.
  • Not have significant dry eye.
  • Not have pupils that are too large.
  • Not have acornea that is too thin.

How Does Bladeless Compare to Blade LASIK?

Comparing traditional and bladeless LASIK can help you understand which surgery is right for you. These are the main differences you should know:

How Bladeless LASIK Compares to Traditional LASIK

BladelessTraditional 
What can it treat?Nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatismNearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism
Accuracy 99% achieve better than 20/40 vision, and more than 90% achieve 20/20 vision or better99% achieve better than 20/40 vision, and more than 90% achieve 20/20 vision or better
How long do the benefits last?Surgery is permanent, but you may experience age-related vision changesSurgery is permanent, but you may experience age-related vision changes
CostAround $2,200 per eyeAround $2,000 per eye 
Recovery time Full healing takes about 6 months, but you can return to normal activities the next yearFull healing takes about 6 months, but you can return to normal activities the next year 
Side effectsUnique side effects include light sensitivity, rainbow glare, and bubbles in eye tissueDryness, itching, and slight burning sensation as tissues heal 

What to Expect When Getting Bladeless LASIK

LASIK is a surgical procedure supervised by a doctor. Before it starts, you’ll have plenty of chances to ask questions and find out more about how it works. Your doctor can answer all your questions, but here are the typical steps involved:

Consultation & Evaluation

A consultation with a LASIK surgeon starts the process. Your doctor will examine your eyes and ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure. This is a good time to ask questions and ensure you understand how everything works. 

LASIK specialists will check the following items:

  • Pupil size: Very large pupils could disqualify you from LASIK. 
  • Your prescription: Your doctor will ensure your vision isn’t changing. 
  • Tear production: Your doctor will ensure you produce enough tears to allow for quick healing. 
  • Eye health: Issues like glaucoma or infections could disqualify you.

LASIK is very safe, and serious complications are rarem occuring in less than 1 percent of patients. However, some people experience light sensitivity as their eyes heal. Following your aftercare program carefully can allow tissues to heal properly.

Day of the Procedure

The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and is performed by LASIK specialists. A numbing drop is placed in your eye, and the doctor cleans the area around your eye. Your other eye is covered during the procedure, while the other eye’s lids are held open with a lid speculum.

The doctor then flattens the cornea using a transparent plastic plate. During this part, you may experience dim vision, the pressure of the plate, and some discomfort. The doctor then focuses laser energy on the corneal tissue, generating small gas bubbles and water, which connect and expand, separating the stroma and creating a flap.

The plastic plate is then removed, and the doctor lifts the flap, folding it and exposing the tissue underneath. With your eye in the right position, the doctor starts the laser and uses it to vaporize a precise amount of corneal tissue based on the initial measurements during evaluation. 

Your doctor puts the flap back in its original position. You likely will be aware of new sounds and smells during this time and may have varying degrees of blurred vision.

Postoperative Care

There are no stitches that hold the flap in place. Instead, you will have a shield to cover your eyes for protection. You should have the shield on always, even when you sleep, until the eye heals.
Immediately after the procedure, you may experience itching, sensitivity, and other symptoms that will subside within weeks. Your doctor will advise you on the best postoperative care. Following those plans ensures you recover from LASIK surgery as quickly as possible.

Choosing Blade vs. Bladeless

There are no stitches that hold the flap in place. Instead, you will have a shield to cover your eyes for protection. You should have the shield on always, even when you sleep, until the eye heals.

Immediately after the procedure, you may experience itching, sensitivity, and other symptoms that will subside within weeks. Your doctor will advise you on the best postoperative care. Following those plans ensures you recover from LASIK surgery as quickly as possible.

Are you interested in experiencing the benefits of bladeless LASIK? Take our candidate quiz and find out if this is right for you.

Side Effects & Risks

LASIK is a very safe procedure, and while bladeless forms are relatively new, they are also extremely safe. 

You may experience mild side effects as your eyes heal, including the following:

  • Dry eyes
  • Glare from bright lights
  • Halos around lights
  • Poor night vision

Your doctor can help you manage side effects of LASIK. Eye drops, medications, and rest are best while your tissues heal. 

Pain is rare after LASIK. If you experience significant pain or vision difficulties, talk to your doctor immediately.

Bladeless LASIK FAQs

We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about bladeless LASIK, and we’ve asked our doctors to answer them.

Is bladeless LASIK better than traditional LASIK?

Bladeless LASIK is different than traditional LASIK. Researchers say both are effective, and neither is necessarily better than another.

How long does the improvement in vision last after bladeless LASIK?

LASIK is a surgery that permanently removes corneal tissue. Those removed items don’t grow back, so LASIK doesn’t wear off. But your eyes can still change due to age.

Is bladeless LASIK safe?

Yes. LASIK is an FDA-approved surgery performed by experts.

Is bladeless LASIK painful?

Discomfort from LASIK surgery is relatively common. But overt pain either during the surgery or in recovery is rare.

How much does bladeless LASIK cost?

The cost of LASIK using bladeless techniques is similar to the cost of traditional LASIK. Some practitioners charge a little more for this type of surgery.

References

  1. Laser-Accident-Turned-Surgery-Breakthrough Wins Golden Goose. (September 2022). Physics.
  2. Femtosecond Lasers for LASIK Flap Creation: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. (March 2013). Ophthalmology.
  3. Comparison of the Femtosecond Laser and Mechanical Microkeratome for Flap Cutting in LASIK. (August 2015). International Journal of Ophthalmology.
  4. What Is the LASIK Success Rate? (August 2022). Refractive Surgery Council.
  5. List of FDA-Approved Lasers for LASIK. (September 2018). U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
  6. LASIK Complications and LASIK Eye Surgery Risks. (October 2022). Refractive Surgery Council.

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