Microkeretome or IntraLase?

Should you choose the Microkeretome or all laser? As with the femtosecond laser, there are arguments between surgeons on whether modern microkeretome blades or intralase is better. Historically, most LASIK problems were related to (a) blade and flap complications, (b) older technologies, and (c) inexperienced surgeons and procedures for unqualified patients.

Nowadays, there are still surgeons who prefer the microkeretome blade over intralase. Studies have shown that laser helps healing faster than some microkeretome, but there are conflicting findings. One thing that is not debatable is that intralase does help improve the flap adhesion better. The inverted bevel of the iFS intralase laser is superior. It's up to you if the quicker healing and stronger strength flap is worth the extra cost for intralase. Only Dr. Bindi and Dr. Manche has the iFS laser as of this writing. Dr. Furlong still uses the FS intralase. Dr. Hyver uses the Ziemer femtosecond laser.

This is a study of the 4th gen FS vs the Ziemer LDV. Another one.

Things to consider is that NASA and the US military only approves intralase and not a microkeretome blade so if you want the military and NASA’s approved method: it’s wavefront-guided LASIK with bladeless flap femtosecond laser.

 References:
http://www.escrs.org/Publications/Eurotimes/08Feb/NASAapprovesalllaser.pdf
http://www.allaboutvision.com/visionsurgery/blade-vs-bladeless.htm
http://www.escrs.org/Publications/Eurotimes/06March/Pdf/Studiesexplorepros.pdf
http://www.crstoday.com/PDF%20Articles/0906/CRST0906_PR.pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19044226
http://freevis-lasik-zentren.org/knorz/Knorz_FlapAdhesion_JRS_2008.pdf
http://www.ziemergroup.com/fileadmin/media/media_events/ASCRS_2010_Boston/10_FemtoLDV_Z-LASIK_Durrie_ASCRS10.pdf
http://cxlcongress.com/presentations/Waring_IntralaservsZiemer.pdf