LASEK
How is LASER Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK) perfomed?
A diluted alcohol solution is used to loosen the epithelial cells on the surface of the cornea. A surgical instrument called a trephine (or a corneal epithelial separator) is used to help lift a thin epithelial flap off the surface of the eye. Your San Diego LASEK surgoen carefully moves the flap off the treatment area using a fine, blunt instrument. The Star S4 AMO LASEK machine is used to re-shape the surface of the eye. The epithelial flap is replaced back in its original place. Antibiotic and Anti inflammatory eye drops are placed on the surface of the eye. A bandage contact lens covers the ocular surface which usually heals within 3 to 10 days.
How is LASEK different from LASIK and PRK?
LASEK(laser epithelial keratomileusis) is a newer variation of the PRK procedure explained in the PRK section of this website. LASEKis similar to PRK in that it only moves the most superficial epithelial layer of the cornea prior to the application of the excimer laser. During LASEK, the very thin layer of epithelial cells is carefully lifted from the surface of the eye prior to the laser treatment. This lifting of the flap is performed using a device called a trephine. During PRK, this epithelial layer is not preserved and usually grows back within about 3 to 10 days after surgery. Your San Diego LASEK surgeon, after the VISX Star S4 laser treatment, places the thin epithelial-cell-only layer back on the surface of the eye and covers it with a bandage contact lens. LASEK healing time is usually also about 3 to 10 days. Both LASEK surgeryand PRK are different from LASIK because for LASIK, a thicker flap of corneal tissue is made using a microkeratome-blade or a femtosecond laser. Both PRK and LASEK take a longer time to heal as compared to LASIK which usually involves no discomfort and heals within a day.
Why should I choose LASEK and not PRK?
The LASEK procedure was developed to decrease the discomfort involved in healing after the PRK. The thinking behind it was that if, instead of removing the epithelial corneal cells, we replaced them on the ocular surface, they would heal more quickly and cause less discomfort. In practice, however, these removed epithelial cells do not always re-attach and at times attach but detach again a few days after surgery. While some surgeons subjectively report getting less discomfort with LASEK as compared to PRK, the San Diego LaserVision Surgeons have noticed that the healing time and discomfort with both surgeries is usually comparable.
Why should I choose LASEK and not LASIK?
There are some patients who have corneas that are not suitable for LASIK. These patients may have evidence of corneal abnormalies or may have corneas that are too thin for creating a LASIK flap. In addition, for patients who have mild dry eyes, often LASIK is not as suitable compared to LASEK or PRK.
You will soon be able to contact the San Diego Laser-Vision Eye Center for an appointment to discuss LASEK surgery with a san diego LASEK surgeon. In the meantime please be patient as this web-page is still under construction and use it as a source for up-to-date LASEK Surgery information.
