What is the Difference Between LASIK and Blade-Free LASIK?

Deciding to correct your eyesight once and for all is a big decision. It’s very liberating when you no longer need to rely on glasses and contact lenses.

Now that you’ve decided to move forward and have LASIK, you’ll need to learn about the two types – traditional LASIK and blade-free LASIK. Traditional LASIK is acceptable, but blade-free LASIK is the way to go for the best results.

Continue reading to learn more about LASIK and why blade-free LASIK is the superior choice!

What is LASIK?

LASIK is a permanent vision correction procedure that corrects refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. After LASIK, you should no longer wear glasses or contact lenses. Also, you may no longer need reading glasses, or at least not as often.

Many people achieve the vision they’ve always wanted when they get LASIK. The procedure works because it uses lasers to reshape the cornea.

You can see better than you ever could when you had glasses or contacts by reshaping the cornea. LASIK is an in-office procedure that takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

A LASIK surgeon creates a small incision in your cornea before removing a small amount of corneal tissue to create a tiny flap during the procedure. Your corneas must be thick enough to sustain the creation of this flap. Otherwise, you could end up with vision problems and possibly serious eye complications.

These potential complications are a good enough reason to have blade-free LASIK. Blade-free LASIK uses a laser to cut into your cornea and create the flap. With traditional LASIK, an actual blade makes the incision and the flap.

Bladeless LASIK is also more comfortable during the procedure and considered much safer than the traditional method. It’s more accurate, leading to fewer complications when creating the corneal flap.

At Vermont Eye Laser, we only perform and offer our patients bladeless LASIK. Traditional LASIK is considered an older technology not provided as much anymore.

With newer technology and a guarantee of accuracy and safety, bladeless LASIK is a better choice for patients looking to undergo LASIK to correct their vision.

Should You Get LASIK?

Now that you know more about LASIK, it’s time to consider whether LASIK is right for you. Although LASIK is an incredible procedure, it’s not suitable for everyone. You have to qualify as a good candidate for the procedure.

As long as you meet the following criteria, your next step will be to schedule a LASIK consultation:

Are you –

– At least 18 years of age?
– In good health? You shouldn’t have any autoimmune conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome or lupus that could make it harder to recover from LASIK.
– Currently pregnant or nursing? If you are, you’ll need to hold off on getting LASIK for at least three months after you finish nursing or three months after giving birth. Waiting gives your eyes enough time to stabilize if hormones cause them to change.
– Realistic about what to expect when you have LASIK? What is your vision for how life will be after getting LASIK? Discuss any concerns or questions ahead of time to be more realistically prepared.

Another thing to consider before having LASIK is whether your corneas are thick enough to have LASIK safely. The only way to know if you have thick enough corneas is to have a LASIK consultation.

Are you wondering if LASIK could be right for you? Schedule your LASIK consultation at Vermont Eye Laser in Burlington, VT, now!