Wavelight Allegretto Laser Surgery, Amadeus Microkeratome, Laservision Eye Clinic Christchurch New Zealand

Microkeratomes vs IntraLase blade-free technology

Laservision Eye Clinic continues to use a microkeratome with blade to create the corneal flap. We use the Amadeus Microkeratome. With its computer control, it is the safest, most up to date and predictable of keratomes available, with a proven track record.

‘Blade-free’ technology is now being released internationally but this new way of creating a flap, while sounding exciting, is not proven. The stromal bed is less smooth and tissue damage occurs. There are reports of increased patient discomfort, more prolonged haze and inferior visual outcomes when compared to the Amadeus. (More detailed information is available from the links and documents below).

Laservision believes that with time and further development, ‘blade free’ LASIK may be the way of the future - and there are 3 to 4 other ‘blade free’ keratomes due for release in the next 6 to 18 months - but, as with our Wavelight Allegretto Laser (where by waiting we ended up with the superior technology), we will continue to monitor developments.

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Some Facts

Fact One
In a recent study, 95% of patients who chose LASIK surgery using the Amadeus Microkeratome obtained 20/20 vision, versus only 82% who chose LASIK surgery with blade free IntraLase. In fact, more than 21% of Amadeus patients achieved better than 20/20 vision than with all-laser LASIK.

Fact Two
Unlike LASIK procedures that can sometimes require up to 3 months for your eyes to gain their best possible vision, LASIK surgery with the Amadeus Microkeratome has been proven to deliver your best vision faster, with fewer postoperative symptoms.

Fact Three
Unlike some older microkeratomes, the Amadeus in not a hand held oscillating blade. Over 20 constant computer-controlled diagnostics make the Amadeus Microkeratome one of the safest procedures available in the world.
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Related Information

Websites

"Does a better flap improve outcomes?" Learn why this surgeon continues to use a mechanical microkeratome for most of his patients. Read >>

Powerpoint documents:

Document One
Amadeus (the keratome Laservision uses) VS bladefree IntraLase. Download >>

Document Two
2005 Leaming Study - based on responses from 725 members of the ASCRS (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery). Download >>