In the LASIK and Custom LASIK procedures a flap of corneal tissue must be created and then folded back. The reason for creating a flap in the cornea is to perform the laser vision correction treatment on the inner layer of the cornea (the corneal stroma) and then cover that area up with the untreated flap. This allows for a rapid visual recovery. With Intralase, the surgeon uses a separate laser to create the corneal flap. This femtosecond laser technology allows the surgeon to customize the size and shape of the corneal flap for each individual patient. This advance in flap creation makes the procedure safer and more precise.
It also allows for greater healing stability and faster corneal nerve regeneration. In recent studies done by IntraLase, this technology may now make it possible to treat those who we are previously dismissed as non candidates due to thin corneas.