Refractive Surgery: LASEK
LASEK (pronounced “Lay-SEEK”) stands for laser epithelial keratomileusis. It is a technique for reshaping corneal tissue. It can help you see better without glasses or corrective lenses. The epithelium (top layer of cornea) is softened with an alcohol solution. This makes a flap in the cornea. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the corneal tissue below the flap. The excimer laser produces a concentrated beam of cool ultraviolet (UV) light. LASEK can treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (vision distortions caused by cornea irregularities).
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What to Expect During the Procedure
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Before treatment, you may be given medication to help you relax.
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Eyedrops numb your eyes. A device is used to keep your eyes open.
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An instrument with alcohol solution in it is briefly placed on the cornea. The surgeon then rolls back the softened epithelium to expose the inner corneal tissue.
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Your surgeon uses a computer-guided excimer laser to reshape the cornea. Laser treatment lasts for
10–90 seconds. -
The epithelium is folded back over the cornea. You will wear a contact lens as a bandage for a few days. This protects the cornea as it heals.
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For a few days after the procedure, your vision may seem worse. It should begin to improve in about
5 days, and become stable in about6 months.
Pros of LASEK
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Better for patients with thin corneas, previous glaucoma surgery, mild corneal scars, or other cornea problems
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Possibly less postoperative discomfort, haze, regression, or corneal scarring than with PRK
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Possibly faster vision recovery than with PRK
Cons of LASEK
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Mild to moderate pain after surgery
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Longer vision recovery than LASIK
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May need to use eyedrops for 3 months or longer
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Risk of corneal scarring or haze
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Possible temporary or permanent dry eye
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Risk of night vision problems, such as halos or glare
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Possible undercorrection or overcorrection
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Possible loss of best corrected vision
