Press release
For immediate publication

The Montreal Eye Clinic launches IntraLase:
a safe and effective technology for laser vision correction
Bladeless, non-intrusive technique provides superior results
Visual material available at http://www.shc.ca/rp/intralase

Montreal, September 19, 2006 — The Montreal Eye Clinic today announced that it will now offer clients the IntraLase surgical technique – bladeless and safer technology for creating the corneal flap, which constitutes an essential step in the LASIK laser vision correction procedure. Eliminating the risk of complications associated with using the microkeratome blade, IntraLase allows for fast healing, and ensures better results. Since the advent of laser surgery, The Montreal Eye Clinic has always recommended that its patients undergo refractive surgery that uses leading-edge techniques. In this same vein, internationally renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Sam Fanous, who heads the clinic, has once again chosen to innovate by making IntraLase available to patients who want bladeless, all-laser surgery.

Dr. Fanous predicts that 80% of the LASIK procedures that he will perform over the next six months will incorporate the IntraLase technology. Although this technique has only recently been introduced to the Québec market, many large Canadian and US clinics are already using IntraLase. The technique reduces the risk of complications by providing greater precision during the first step of LASIK surgery, and makes it possible to treat patients who have been poor candidates for conventional LASIK procedure because of a thin cornea or severe myopia.

Proven results
Worldwide, nearly 1 million operations have been performed since 2001 using this technology, which is already in its fourth generation. This technique eliminates fears associated with the use a microkeratome blade to create the corneal flap, which is an essential step in any LASIK surgery.

According to Dr. Fanous, “What characterizes my practice is the service that is provided to patients, and by extension, the tools that I use to ensure their well-being. In order to optimize not only the safety but also the quality of the procedure, technology must occupy its proper place and be at the patient’s service, as is the case with IntraLase combined with LASIK.”

The use of the computer-guided IntraLase laser provides the surgeon with microscopic precision that is 100 times more accurate with respect to the diameter and thickness of the flap that is created on the corneal surface. This precision, which is virtually impossible to attain with a blade, yields exceptional visual outcomes.

A simple and safe technique
Through a non-intrusive method called photodisruption, IntraLase begins its action a few microns below the corneal surface. Focused laser pulses precisely divide the corneal tissue, without the transfer of heat or impact to the surrounding tissue. The laser beam is focused to a precise point within the stroma (the central layer of the cornea), which creates a multitude of tiny bubbles consisting of carbon dioxide and water vapour. The result is a perfect corneal flap, with no residue, blade contact, or pain.

The IntraLase femtosecond laser penetrates the surface of the cornea, and within 30 seconds, it generates a layer of microscopic bubbles directly beneath the corneal surface. When it’s time to perform the LASIK surgery, the surgeon simply separates and lifts the flap that is created by the bubbles. Once the Excimer laser procedure has been completed, the corneal flap is returned to its original position, and it seals itself immediately, without stitches. The IntraLase laser is extremely safe and precise. Its robust design ensures the success of every procedure, and diminishes the residual risk of complications associated with laser surgery.

Information: 
Caroline Doyon (c.doyon@shc.ca) Dr. Sam Fanous
Julie Bourbonnière (j.bourbonniere@shc.ca) 

Simard Hamel Communications 514-288-0088
514-287-9811

Source: The Montreal Eye Clinic

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