LASEK Eye Surgery
 
 

Types of Surgeries:
LASEK/PRK surgery

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Laser epithelial keratomileusis, or LASEK, combines benefits of the two most commonly performed procedures -- LASIK and PRK. LASEK laser eye surgery is used to treat astigmatism, nearsightedness or farsightedness.

 
 
 
 Fig. 1
Figure 1- A dilute alcohol solution is placed on the cornea, to allow the epithelium to be "rolled off." This is done after placing anesthetic eye drops and is painless.
Fig. 2
Figure 2- the epithelial layer is lifted or “rolled” back.
Fig. 3
Figure 3- the laser is applied to the outer surface of the cornea in LASEK.
Fig. 4
Figure 4- the epithelial flap is replaced.
Fig. 5
Figure 5- In PRK, the epithelium is removed, and allowed to regrow naturally.

In LASEK, only the outer surface of the cornea (epithelium) is removed. This is done pain-free with anesthetic drops, dilute alcohol solution, and a blunt instrument (see figure 1). The epithelium is "rolled" off, like rolling carpet (see figure 2). This differs from LASIK in that in LASIK a flap is made about ¼ of the cornea, and the laser is done in the middle of the cornea. With LASEK, the laser is done on the surface of the cornea, leaving the deeper corneal tissue untouched (see figure 3).

The laser is applied by the VISX S4 laser with pupil tracker and CustomVue â technology to the surface of the cornea. At this point the epithelium is "rolled" back in place, and a soft bandage contact lens is put in place (see figure 4). The entire procedure takes about two minutes per eye!

PRK is essentially the same procedure as LASEK, except the flap of epithelium is not replaced, it is discarded. The cornea will regrow a new layer of epithelium over the 72 hours. A soft bandage contact lens is used as well.

What Are the Advantages of LASEK/PRK Laser Eye Surgery?

  • Complications associated with cutting and reattaching the flap in the cornea are avoided.
  • LASEK laser eye surgery causes dry eye less frequently than LASIK laser eye surgery.
  • May provide superior optical quality, especially when combined with CustomVue® laser than LASIK.

What Are the Disadvantages of LASEK Laser Eye Surgery?

  • Longer visual recovery time compared to LASIK laser eye surgery. Many LASEK patients will not fully recover functional vision for 1 to 2 weeks while their eye heals, which is similar to the healing time experienced in PRK laser eye surgery. LASIK laser eye surgery patients often have good vision by the day after surgery.
  • LASEK laser eye surgery may cause more pain and discomfort than LASIK , but less pain than PRK laser eye surgery. Most LASEK laser eye surgery patients say the discomfort lasts about 2 days or less.
  • Patients need to wear a "bandage contact lens" for about 3 or 4 days after LASEK laser eye surgery to serve as a protective layer between your blinking eyelids and the treated eye surface, which is not necessary after LASIK.
  • Patients must use topical steroid drops for several weeks longer than that used after LASIK laser eye surgery.

How Do I Know if LASEK Laser Eye Surgery Is for Me?

LASEK/PRK laser eye surgery may be better for patients who have steep or very thin corneas, which make it difficult for the surgeon to make a proper LASIK flap. Since traumatic injury to the eye is more serious after LASIK than LASEK laser eye surgery, patients who engage in professional or leisure activities that put their eyes at increased risk for injury (such as boxing) may be better suited for LASEK. LASEK laser eye surgery is better for people with dry eye syndrome because in avoiding a deeper flap, the corneal nerves responsible for the tearing reflex are not cut.



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