In traditional LASIK surgery, an instrument known as the microkeratome cuts a thin flap into the cornea, which is then lifted for application of laser treatment which reshapes the eye. Instead of a blade, however, another method of creating a LASIK flap can be used, which involves using a type of high laser energy (or IntraLase).

IntraLase is often marketed as "bladeless" or "all laser" LASIK, and consequently is often perceived by individuals as being superior to the microkeratome, which utilizes a blade and is therefore more frightening to the patient. Yet the truth is that both procedures require a penetration of the eye's surface. In actuality, microkeratomes enable the surgical procedure to move much faster, and are much more comfortable for the patient, because suction in the procedure lasts about 3 seconds, as opposed to the 15- 20 seconds using IntraLase. Essentially, if the surgeon uses a modem microkeratome, there exists no real advantage in using IntraLase to create a flap.