Viso Lasik Medspas Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)

What is LASEK?

Yet another form of vision correction treatment is LASEK, which differs from LASIK most significantly due to the treatment of the epithelial layer on the surface of the eye. Like PRK, LASEK is recommended for patients with corneas that are either too thin or too steep to be altered with either a microkeratome or laser-created flap. In fact, LASEK was specifically designed to reduce the risk of complications on certain patients that can arise with a thicker flap. Essentially, in LASEK, the ultra-thin epithelial layer is preserved and lifted before the excimer laser energy is applied to the cornea for ablation. After the procedure, the epithelium is replaced, intact, onto the eye’s surface.

The Difference between LASIK and LASEK

While the LASEK procedure does involve some cutting, with a special instrument known as a trephine, it is not altered in the same way as in LASIK. Instead, the epithelium is cut around the edges, and then a diluted alcohol solution is applied for about 30 seconds. The alcohol solution loosens the edges enough for the epithelium to be folded back, out of the way, so that the doctor can then ablate the corneal tissue underneath. When the ablation process is finished, the epithelium is placed back onto the eye with a special spatula-type instrument.

Although LASEK does require slightly more waiting for optimum eyesight to develop (about four to seven days, typically), the flap edge typically heals in about a day, with patients reporting the usual scratchiness associated with vision laser treatment.

Would you like to learn more about how Viso Lasik Medspas can help you improve your vision through LASEK? Contact us today for more information and to schedule your free laser vision correction evaluation.