Most lasers contain an eye tracking system. This system is linked to the position of the eye. Lasers without this system make it necessary for the patient to fixate on a distant object and to keep their eyes still. There are two different type of eye-tracking systems:
• Open Loop – monitors the pupil’s location.
• Closed Loop – Tracks eye movement and makes adjustments accordingly
Some sort of tracking system is required as it can be difficult for patient’s to fixate on an object for a long period of time.
IntraLase Lasers
The IntraLase is capable of creating the flap that needs to be cut in order to reach the cornea for shaping. The laser creates a precise pattern of small, overlapping spaces. These work at a very high speed. This allows the tissue to be target and divided at a molecular level. This laser also uses a special software that helps to guide the beam. The software instructs the beam to apply a series of bubbles on the cornea. This results in a corneal flap. The technology has helped patients with thin corneas utilize Lasik.
IntraLase has far fewer complications than when microkeratomes are used. Surgeons have noticed that there is one possible complication. Some patients have a postoperative complication of being very sensitive to light after undergoing an all laser Lasik procedure. Many surgeons have also noted that this complication is only temporary and that using steroid eye drops has rectified the problem after a couple of weeks.
This system is more expensive as well. The “all laser” approach can add an additional $300 per eye. Patients are often given the option between mircrokeratome or the IntraLase system. Some surgeons use IntraLase exclusively, so the cost is already included in their fee.