Intralase Keratoplasty is an innovative technique used in corneal transplantation. Intralase keratoplasty provides excellent results as it is the combination of corneal transplantation and refractive surgery. The laser techniques in this procedure reduce the imperfections that are caused in corneal transplantation surgery that was done manually. It is a bladeless surgery performed using infrared laser and is very quick and efficient. This technique enables a faster recovery after completing the surgery. In IntraLase Keratoplasty, IntraLase Femtosecond Laser is used to make corneal incisions. This laser produces around 60,000 pulses every second when creating the beam of energy. The energy released by the laser is capable of creating corneal incisions with greater accuracy.
The graft created by the help of the IntraLase laser will be more stable with fewer sutures that can result in faster recovery and better vision. Dr. Boothe of Boothe Eye Care will program the laser in such a way to produce precise and safer incisions on the cornea as well as on the corneal tissue that has to be transplanted. The laser will produce two identical pieces so that the donor cornea can fit properly on the recipient’s eye. Because of the preciseness in fitting, chances of getting astigmatism are reduced.
IntraLase Keratoplasty is suitable for making complex incisions that are impossible with traditional LASIK surgery. The corneal incisions made out of the laser have an interlocking design so that the corneal graft created will be more stable. The sutures of IntraLase Keratoplasty can be taken out much earlier than that of the traditional LASIK surgical procedure. The complication caused due to graft displacement is minimal in the case of IntraLase Keratoplasty when compared to the traditional surgical procedure.
The corneal incisions made with the help of trephines (in traditional LASIK) will not have perfect interlocking as that of the corneal incisions made using laser. The corneal incision created with laser will interlock with each other perfectly and effectively to produce better results. The success of IntraLase Keratoplasty is 85% and the results of the surgery depend on several factors. If you are suffering from retinal problems or glaucoma, then the outcome of your surgery may not be precise. There is also a possibility of graft rejection by the eyes. In the majority of the cases, the patient will obtain improved vision gradually and the recovery time also varies from one patient to patient.
The patient may have to use contact lenses or eye glasses even after corneal transplantation. If you are not satisfied with you vision improvement, you can go for laser enhancement surgery to get better vision. IntraLase Keratoplasty takes around one hour to complete. The surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure in which local or general anesthesia is used. Dr. Boothe will recommend that you use medicated eye drops prevent rejection of the graft. A complete eye examination is required before undergoing IntraLase Enabled Keratoplasty. If you are interested in learning more about Intralase Keratoplasty, please visit Boothe Eye Care.