Do you have trouble seeing objects close up or far away? Or are you tired of relying on glasses or contacts and want to correct your vision for good? Laser surgery is a solution that has helped millions of people around the world reduce their dependence on glasses.
Considering corrective laser surgery? Book an appointment with one of our LOCATION1 ophthalmologists today!
What is LASEK Surgery?
LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) is a vision-correction procedure very similar to LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis). Much like LASIK, LASEK is used for the correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
LASEK is a variation on PRK or LASIK. It involves numbing the top layer of the eye’s cells and peeling them back to allow the laser to reshape the cornea and correct vision.
While LASIK uses a laser to cut deeper into the outer layer of the eye (the epithelium), LASEK cuts only as deep as the epithelium.
Immediately after surgery, you’ll probably experience blurred vision. It can take 1 to 2 weeks for your eye to settle and heal, and for your vision to become crisp. To facilitate healing and recovery, you’ll need to wear a bandage contact lens for a few days following your eye surgery.
The Differences Between LASEK, LASIK, and PRK Surgeries
During LASIK, the eye surgeon makes a deeper cut into the eye, while with LASEK, the surgeon only makes a fine, shallow cut on the top outer layer of the cornea (epithelial layer).
With LASEK, the surgeon then uses an alcohol solution for a few seconds to loosen the epithelial layer, which is lifted and folded to one side. The laser is then used to reshape the middle layer of the cornea (stroma) and the surgeon carefully folds back the epithelial flap back down to cover the newly shaped cornea.
During PRK surgery, a portion of the epithelium is completely removed before the eye surgeon can use a laser to reshape the cornea.
Pros of LASEK Surgery
- LASEK is a good choice for people who have a thin or flat cornea.
- The eye surgeon doesn’t cut into the cornea, but only cuts the surface layers.
- People who have LASEK surgery may be less likely to suffer from dry eye symptoms since it doesn’t involve cutting corneal nerves.
- Because a thinner flap is made on the surface of the eye, LASEK can be a better choice for people involved in sports or any other activity with a high risk of eye injury.
Cons of LASEK Surgery
- After LASEK, it may take a week or two before your eye has fully healed and you can see clearly. This is also the case with PRK surgery, whereas LASIK patients may have functional vision right after surgery.
- People often report more initial discomfort following LASEK than after LASIK.
- You’ll have to wear a bandage contact lens for 4 or 5 days after LASEK surgery.
- After LASEK, you’ll need to use steroid eye drops for a longer period of time than after LASIK.
What Happens During a LASEK Eye Exam?
Your eye surgeon will perform a comprehensive eye exam to measure the thickness and shape of your cornea to determine if LASEK is the best option for you. You may have other tests, including ones to check if you have dry eyes as well as dilation of the pupil to assess your eye health. You’ll also have a refractive test done to determine the exact amount of cornea reshaping required. You’ll be asked about your and your family’s eye and medical history.
How to Prepare for the LASEK Procedure
- Your ophthalmologist or staff will provide you with a complete list of do’s and don’ts to prepare for your upcoming laser surgery. These must be followed exactly; if you have any questions, call the office.
- Don’t wear gas-permeable rigid contact lenses for several weeks prior to the procedure. Avoid wearing soft contact lenses 3-7 days prior to the procedure.
- On the morning of your LASEK surgery, don’t apply eye makeup. Eat a light meal and drink water.
- Your eye doctor will advise you if you need to make any changes to your medication regimen.
What to Expect During LASEK
- Your eye surgeon will apply topical anesthetic to your eye to numb the cornea.
- The top layer of the cornea, or epithelium, is treated with alcohol for 30 seconds to allow the epithelium to be folded back from the cornea and focus the laser beams to reshape the cornea.
- The epithelium is then placed back over the cornea.
Recovery After LASEK
- While the cornea heals, you’ll need to wear a bandage contact lens for 3 to 4 days.
- You may feel discomfort, eye irritation or experience distorted vision for the first week or two.
- Your LOCATION1 eye doctor will prescribe steroid and anti-bacterial eye drops to aid in recovery.
- The first follow-up visit will be scheduled the next day after LASEK. You’ll have follow-up appointments over the next few weeks and months.
FAQ
What Are Some LASEK Side Effects?
Any of the following can occur after LASEK. Talk to your LOCATION1 ophthalmologist if you experience:
- The feeling of having something in your eye (can last from 1 to 4 days).
- Dry eye symptoms (can last up to 6 months).
- Poor vision in low lighting (can last up to a year).
- Cloudy vision (can last 6 to 9 months).
Want to know whether LASEK is the right solution to correct your vision? We invite you to schedule an appointment at in to better assess your situation and vision, and determine whether LASEK — or other corrective surgeries — is right for you.
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