LASEK Laser Eye Surgery

LASEK Eye Surgery

LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis) is a variation on the techniques for PRK and LASIK. Also called epithelial LASIK or E-LASIK, LASEK is ideally used for people with corneas that are too thin or too flat for LASIK. LASEK decreases the chance of complications that can occur when creating the corneal flap during LASIK when the cornea is not the ideal thickness.

During LASEK Surgery

In LASEK, the epithelium, or outer layer of the cornea, is removed using finer blade called a trephine instead of the microkeratome used in LASIK. The surgeon then covers the eye with an alcohol solution (perhaps one part alcohol and four parts sterile water) for around 30 seconds. The solution loosens the edges of the epithelium.

After removing the alcohol solution from the eye, the surgeon then lifts the edge of the epithelial flap and folds it back similar to LASIK. Then he or she uses an excimer laser to reshape the corneal tissue underneath. Afterward, the epithelial flap is placed back on the eye.

LASEK Recovery Time

Then a bandage contact lens is put into the eye to allow the flap edges to heal. As in PRK, the bandage contact lens is worn for about three days. You may feel eye irritation during the first day or two afterward. The patient will need to use eye drops (topical steroid drops) for a few weeks after the treatment to control healing rate.

LASEK vs LASIK vs PRK

Typical LASEK recovery requires more time to fully return vision, when compared to LASIK. The LASEK recovery period is usually about four to seven days, which is shorter than typical PRK recovery. The vision results of LASEK surgery are similar to LASIK results, though LASEK takes more time than LASIK to achieve full visual clarity.

LASEK Advantages & Disadvantages

What are LASEK advantages?

• Corneal flap complications associated with LASIK are avoided
• LASEK caused less frequency of dry eye than LASIK
• Able to treat cornea that aren't eligible for LASIK treatment due to being too thin or too flat

What are LASEK disadvantages?

• LASEK recovery time longer than LASIK
• LASEK surgery causes more discomfort than LASIK