Microkeratome technology plays a very important part in Lasik surgery, but that part may slowly go the way of the dinosaur according to some, because there are new, bladeless Lasik options today. In the past, the microkeratome was used to make the cut on the cornea, and in some Lasik-related surgeries, such as PRK, it was used for the entire procedure. Despite its popularity with Lasik, however, bladeless options are proving to be somewhat safer because there is virtually no chance of making a mistake with the incision. If a problem is going to occur with the actual Lasik procedure, the cutting of the flap is often the time that this takes place, so anything that can be done to reduce that is important.

Microkeratome Technology

This technology, though, is still very important. It has come a long way from its first use with Lasik to where it is now. In the past, it was not as precise and problems could occur. Sometimes the flap would be cut entirely off instead of leaving a hinge attached with which to fold the flap back. In addition, the cornea could be cut too deep, causing a problem with re-adherence, or not deep enough, causing the surgery to have to be abandoned for three to six months before the Lasik surgeon could try again. Despite these problems and concerns, however, microkeratome technology was still the best and most respected choice for those who administered Lasik.

What Has Changed

Now, there is another version of Lasik offered. In the new version, the blade is no longer used. The laser is used not only to make the vision correction, but also to make the corneal flap. Many people feel that this is safer, and in some respects, it does seem to be, but there is no real indication of whether there will be long-term problems with this technique. Right now, most surgeons who perform Lasik are still using microkeratome technology because they know that it has been adjusted through the years into something that is very precise and highly reliable. Since eyes are so delicate, this precision and reliability are both very important.

The Future

While the bladeless Lasik will likely grow in popularity, it seems unlikely that microkeratome technology will disappear, at least anytime soon. It is a tried and true method of creating a corneal flap for Lasik, and most eye surgeons are reluctant to give up a method that has been proven safe and effective in a very large number of patients. Due to this, it seems likely that the microkeratome technology that is used in Lasik will continue well into the future, working alongside the other, newer bladeless options.