SUNRISE, Fla. -- There have been some significant improvements in the all-laser LASIK procedure known as IntraLase. Not only is it quicker, but many patients who weren't candidates before can now give it a try.

Hardy Wood, 35, is a firefighter who worried about losing a contact lens on the job. At one point, he thought about having lasik surgery.

But because of his poor vision and thin corneas, he was not a candidate. That is, until now.

IntraLase uses laser energy, instead of a blade, to create a flap and remove tissue, resulting in a re-shaped cornea and better vision.

According to Dr. Cory Lessner with Millennium Laser Eye Centers, "By using IntraLase, coupled with the precision of this allegretto laser, we were able to deliver a treatment to Hardy that kept potential for glare and halo down."

IntraLase now has a 60,000 pulse per second upgrade from 30,000. That translates into a quicker and safer procedure, even though we're talking about a matter of seconds.

There is now pressure on the eye for 20 seconds as opposed to 40 seconds. Lessner said it's a bit more comfortable for the patient.

The improvements also mean less complications, such as corneal irregularities and scarring.

"If I can make a flap that's 100 microns thick verses 160 micron flap of somewhat variable thickness, I've saved myself extra tissue to actually do treatment with," Lessner said.

Studies show Intralase patients achieve 20/20 or better vision. Wood said his eyesight is the best it's ever been.

According to Lessner, it is extremely rare for patients to have any side effects.

Intralase costs a bit more than traditional LASIK surgery. Each eye is about $3,000.

To find out more about the Intralase procedure call Millennium Laser Eye Centers at 954-835-0800 or visit the company's Website at www.mleye.com.