LASEK (Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis)

If you have been told that your corneas are too thin or too steep for LASIK, laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) might be the best solution to give you better vision. LASEK can correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LASEK is somewhere between LASIK and PRK in the way it is performed. While LASIK creates a hinged flap on the surface of the cornea and PRK completely removes the epithelium, LASEK removes the epithelium, but replaces it after the cornea has been reshaped.

Procedure

The epithelial flap created in LASIK is made with a microkeratome blade or using a laser. In LASEK, a thinner blade, called a trephine, is used. The blade itself is round, which allows the eye surgeon to remove the epithelial. Alcohol is then used to remove the remainder of the epithelial from the eye so that an excimer laser can reshape the cornea. The epithelium is then placed back on the eye after the excimer laser has sculpted the cornea. The total procedure should last no longer than 15 minutes per eye.

Recovery

Recovering from LASEK surgery may take several days longer than LASIK recovery. However, the edge of the epithelial flap may heal within one day. There may also be less association with dry eyes when LASEK is performed instead of LASIK. It also preserves more corneal tissue that LASIK does. LASEK patients will usually be able to see clearly in six to eight weeks.

If you have been told that you are not a candidate for LASIK, ask your eye surgeon about LASEK surgery. To learn more about this procedure, please contact an experienced LASEK eye surgeon in your area today.