During LASIK, a hinged flap is created in the cornea to allow access for the vision correction. In the past, the corneal flap was created by a mechanical device, which used a blade (microkeratome). Today, we offer our Spector Eye Care patients entirely blade-free LASIK using a Femtosecond Laser to create the corneal flap.
During this bladeless LASIK procedure, the Femtosecond Laser delivers millions of tiny, micron-sized bubbles within the central layer of the cornea. These bubbles gently separate the layers of corneal tissue to create a customized corneal flap at the precise depth and diameter pre-determined and programmed by Dr. Spector.
Dr. Spector uses this laser with computer software to guide the femtosecond laser beam. This unparalleled level of control adds a higher level of safety and precision, allows more patients to qualify as LASIK candidates, and virtually eliminates many of the complications associated with the past mechanical approach.
Similar to original LASIK surgery with a blade, a small section of the tissue is left uncut to form a hinge allowing Dr. Spector to fold back the flap and perform the vision correction. After the vision correction, the flap is closed. There are no stitches in bladeless LASIK surgery because the flap itself is used as a bandage to help the eye heal naturally.