What is LASEK?
LASEK eye surgery, or laser epithelial keratomileusis, is similar to LASIK but without cutting a corneal flap. It is a modified form of the earlier PRK (Photo Refractive Keratotomy).
LASEK Procedure
Surgical Step-by-Step Review
- Instead of using a microkeratome tool to cut the cornea, the LASEK surgeon uses a diluted alcohol solution or a fine blade to "move aside" the tissue on the cornea in preparation for laser reshaping.
The surface of the cornea (epithelium) is moved away to expose the cornea for the excimer laser.
In this step, the surgeon uses an excimer laser to precisely reshape the cornea based on pre-programmed information.- After the surgery, a contact lens is placed on the cornea for protection and to aid healing for the next several days.
LASEK is used to treat the same refractive errors as LASIK, including astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness, and is often a preferred alternative to LASIK for certain patients who have:
- a steep or very thin cornea
- an increased risk for eye injury because they participate in professional or leisure activities (e.g. boxing, sports, etc.)
- extremely dry eyes/dry eye syndrome
Are You a Good Candidate for LASEK?
A UF Laser Eye Center physician will advise you on the pros and cons of LASIK vs. LASEK based on your specific eye conditions and medical history. Some questions doctors consider:
- Are you over 18 years of age?
- Are you farsighted, nearsighted or have astigmatism?
- Has your prescription for corrective eyewear remained the same for at least two years?
- Do you understand the benefits and potential risks of LASEK surgery?
- Do you have problems with dry eyes?
- Are you pregnant or nursing?
- Are you taking steroids or immunosuppressant medication?
- Do you suffer from autoimmune disorders?
- Have you had ocular herpes within the last year?
- Do you have any pre-existing eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, corneal disease, or other conditions that threaten your vision?
- Do you have a thorough understanding about the procedure and realistic expectations about the outcome?
In addition, there is extensive pre-operative testing and evaluation that helps determine successful LASEK candidacy. Among other things, the doctor will:
- Take a medical history
- Determine the magnitude of visual error
- Screen for external and internal eye disease
- Map the shape of your cornea
- Measure your pupil size, the thickness of your cornea, intraocular pressure, etc.
- And more