IntraLase Corporation

IntraLase Corporation was established as a spin-out from the University of Michigan in 1997 by Dr. Ron Kurtz, an ophthalmology resident, and Dr. Tibor Juhasz, a laser physicist. Their collaboration began after a lab accident involving a femtosecond laser injury, which revealed the laser's capacity for extremely precise tissue incisions without collateral damage. This observation led them to develop a femtosecond laser for ophthalmic surgery, specifically to improve the LASIK procedure.

The company focused on commercializing an ultra-fast laser system that replaces the hand-held microkeratome blade traditionally used to create the corneal flap in the initial step of LASIK surgery. This blade-free method, marketed as the IntraLase Method or IntraLASIK, utilizes rapid, low-energy laser pulses to create microscopic bubbles at a specific depth within the cornea, forming a precisely shaped flap. This approach offered surgeons enhanced control over flap diameter, depth, and architecture, which improved safety profiles and visual outcomes for patients.

IntraLase operated in the ophthalmic surgery market, serving eye care practitioners and surgeons performing refractive and corneal procedures. Its business model centered on the sale of the IntraLase FS laser system, related software, and the associated disposable devices required for each procedure. The company also invested heavily in research and development to expand the applications of its technology into other corneal surgeries, such as corneal transplants (IntraLase Enabled Keratoplasty).

Initially funded by venture capital, IntraLase relocated to Irvine, California, in 1998 to be closer to the center of the ophthalmic industry. The company went public with an initial public offering in October 2004. A significant milestone was its acquisition by Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) in 2007 for approximately $808 million in cash. This transaction integrated IntraLase's femtosecond laser technology with AMO's broader portfolio of refractive technologies. Subsequently, Abbott Laboratories acquired AMO in 2009.

Keywords: femtosecond laser, bladeless LASIK, IntraLASIK, corneal surgery, ophthalmic devices, vision correction, eye surgery technology, laser microkeratome, Advanced Medical Optics, AMO acquisition, Ron Kurtz, Tibor Juhasz, corneal flap creation, refractive surgery, ophthalmic technology, photodisruption, laser vision correction, medical laser systems, surgical lasers, eye care industry, IntraLase FS laser, blade-free laser technology