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LASEK Eye Surgery
LASEK is another method of laser eye surgery. It is often recommended as an alternative to LASIK for some people who may be unsuitable for LASIK surgery.
What’s the difference between LASEK + LASIK?
LASIK (Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis)
In a LASIK operation, a very thin flap is created in the cornea (the clear front part of your eye). This flap is then folded back to reveal your inner cornea, where the laser vision correction takes place. Afterwards, the flap is replaced, which allows the eye to heal faster.
LASEK (Laser Assisted Epithelial Keratomileusis)
In a LASEK operation, no corneal flap is created. Instead, the microscopic outer layer of cells on the cornea is carefully removed. Then the laser vision correction takes place near the surface of the cornea, rather than deeper inside. This process is also called ‘surface laser treatment’ or ‘epi-LASEK’.
What else should I know about LASEK?
Because of the way LASEK works, you may find the first few days after surgery a little more painful than with LASIK. Recovery of clear vision from LASEK is also slower than LASIK recovery, because the delicate surface layer of the cornea needs to re-grow.
A patient undergoing LASIK could typically expect to have clear vision within a couple of days. On the other hand, someone who has had a LASEK operation will only be able to see clearly once their eyes have completely healed – usually after about a week.
Why would I have LASEK instead of LASIK?
You should only have LASEK if your surgeon recommends it for you. At Exeter Laser Eye Surgeons, we will only recommend a treatment if we feel it is appropriate for you, and we believe it will help you achieve the results you want.
Most people these days are suitable candidates for LASIK, thanks to the revolutionary technology behind Z-LASIK. However, for a very small number of people for whom Z-LASIK is not suitable, LASEK is often a good alternative.
Find out more about how LASEK works here >
