Since its introduction in the early 2000s’ Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, popularly known as the LASIK surgery, has become one of the most common, safe, and regularly opted-for life-enhancing procedures, helping countless people lead better lives.
Already safe, LASIK today is even more safe, painless, and complications-free than in its initial days, allowing patients to get back to their normal lives almost immediately.
The LASIK procedure uses a highly precise Excimer Laser to reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors like astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness for the patient. A surgeon first creates a thin flap in the cornea using either the mechanically operated microkeratome blade or the femtosecond laser (often known as the blade vs bladeless LASIK).
Even though LASIK surgery uses laser technology to reshape the cornea to correct vision, the key difference between Blade LASIK and Bladeless LASIK surgery lies in the initial stage of flap creation. Once the cornea is reshaped the flap is placed back for healing. The procedure takes only about 15 minutes for both eyes, with a relatively hassle-free pre and post-procedure check-up.
If you are considering a LASIK surgery you should discuss the option of blade vs bladeless LASIK with your doctor to know which option might be more suitable to your needs.
What Is Blade LASIK Surgery?
For Blade LASIK the surgeon uses a mechanical, precise, oscillating blade called the Microkeratome to create and lift a hinged flap on the cornea. Once the flap is lifted the laser continues to reshape the corneal tissue beneath.
At the end, the flap is repositioned for the healing process to begin. Considered a traditional approach, blade LASIK has its advantages. For patients with previous corneal surgeries, blade LASIK usually is the recommended approach. Requiring a shorter suction period, this method might offer more comfort to some patients.
The shorter suction period also translates into lower intraocular pressure, particularly helpful for glaucoma patients. On the other hand, though blade LASIK has had a long history of reliability and safety, it has a slim chance of flap-related complications such as buttonhole flaps or free caps. However, in the hands of an experienced surgeon, blade LASIK is as effective and safe as Laser-Assisted LASIK.
What Is Bladeless LASIK Surgery?
Bladeless or Laser-Assisted LASIK, as the name suggests, is an all-laser procedure. An advancement on the traditional blade LASIK, it uses the Femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap before reshaping the underlying cornea.
Even though it requires a slightly longer suction time, the bladeless LASIK allows for higher customization of the flap thickness and hinge position based on individual corneal shapes. This is especially useful for patients with thinner or more curved corneas.
Bladeless LASIK creates a flap with uniform thickness compared to microkeratome flaps that are thinner at the center. It also offers quicker recovery time and lesser discomfort, while further narrowing the chances of flap-related complications.
However, for a minuscule percentage of patients, Laser-Assisted LASIK increases the sensitivity to transient light, experienced within a few weeks post the surgery. This sensitivity can easily be treated through post-procedure medication and eye drops.
Also read: Which LASIK Eye Surgery Is Right?
Key Differences of Blade Vs Bladeless LASIK Eye Surgery
Having understood the basics of both types of procedures, let us take a quick look at the differences.
| Feature | Blade LASIK | Bladeless LASIK |
| Flap Creation Tool | Microkeratome (mechanical oscillating precision blade) | Femtosecond laser (all-laser, short pulses of energy) |
| Precision | Highly precise, but comparatively slightly lower | Higher precision with pre-programmed laser control |
| Risk of Complications | Very low, however comparatively slightly higher risk of flap-related complications | Lower risk of flap-related complications. Very Slim risk of transient light sensitivity |
| Comfort | More comfortable due to comparatively lower time under suction | Generally very comfortable |
| Recovery Time | Slightly longer recovery time | Faster recovery time |
| Customization | Less customizable flap creation | More customizable, allowing for individual corneal variations |
| Cost | Usually less expensive than bladeless LASIK | Typically more expensive due to higher cost of technology |
| Availability | Widely available in clinics | Available in specialized clinics with advanced technology |
| Recommended For | Patients with previous corneal procedures, thicker corneas, less sensitivity, glaucoma, and those with a need for less time under suction | Patients with irregularly shaped cornea, thinner cornea. Those looking for high-precision, lower-risk, and quicker recovery |
To conclude, even though both methods of LASIK eye surgery and vision corrections remain one of the safest and most effective procedures, they both offer distinct advantages. Be sure to discuss the options with your surgeon to pick the one best suited to your needs.
FAQs – Blade Vs Bladeless LASIK Surgery
Both blade and bladeless LASIK can deliver desired visual correction and outcomes when performed by skilled surgeons, but individual results may vary depending on the specific conditions of each cornea.
Both types of LASIK surgeries are one of the most common, safe, and effective vision correction procedures today with a long proven track record. While bladeless LASIK with its technological advancement offers a slightly lower risk of flap complication, the choice of a suitable, safer method varies depending on the corneal condition.
Individual corneal requirements should be the foremost consideration while choosing the appropriate approach with your surgeon. Other factors to consider include the cost of the procedure, surgeon expertise, recovery time, and lower risk factors.
Both LASIK procedures require the basic eligibility factors of good overall eye health, stable vision prescription, and no contrary factors for surgery. However, specific corneal factors such as thickness, shape, past surgeries, and other overall patient health play a key role in deciding on a more suitable approach.
Both bladeless LASIK vs blade LASIK have a long proven record of safety and effective vision correction. Bladeless LASIK offers a slight edge over blade LASIK via an even lower risk of flap complication. Patients should also be aware that both types of procedures carry the risk of leading to dry eyes, sensitivity to glare, light halos, and the chance of under or overcorrection of vision.
Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK.
