In the majority of LASIK procedures, an instrument known as a microkeratome cuts a thin, hinged flap into the eye's clear surface (cornea). The flap then is lifted for application of laser energy that reshapes the eye for vision correction. Replacing the flap in LASIK promotes faster healing. The microkeratome is a precision surgical instrument that brings LASIK flap creation to new levels of simplicity and safety.

Another method of creating a LASIK flap uses a type of high energy laser (femtosecond laser or IntraLase). IntraLase often is marketed as "blade-free" or "all laser" LASIK, although both procedures involve creating a flap. Some may believe that the microkeratome is somehow more risky, when in fact it's not. Complications happen rarely, but they can occur with the Intralase as well as with the microkeratome.

"With over 15 years of microkeratome experience, along with the microkeratome I currently use and with the most advanced CustomVue laser treatment available, my patients have excellent results."

"It is in my opinion, when using a state-of-the-art microkeratome, there is no real advantage in using the IntraLase to create a flap. The reality is that LASIK is one of the safest procedures in all of medicine, with the microkeratome or with the IntraLase."