LASEK
LASEK (LASer Epithelial Keratomileusis) is a relatively new procedure
that is technically a variation of PRK. The difference is that while
in PRK the epithelium is removed, it is preserved and put back in LASEK.
As a result, in LASEK there is less pain and the
healing is faster than PRK.
LASEK is used mostly for people with corneas that are too thin or
too flat for LASIK operation. It has been developed to reduce the
incidence of complications that occur when it is anticipated that
the flap created during LASIK will not have ideal thickness or diameter.
|
|
|
|
 |
1- In LASEK, the epithelium, or outer layer of the cornea, is dented
like the letter C with a fine blade called a trephine.
2- The surgeon then covers the eye with an alcohol solution for approximately
30 seconds. The solution loosens the edges of the epithelium. It separates
the epithelium from the underlying stroma layer.
3- After sponging the alcohol solution from the eye, the surgeon uses
a tiny hoe to lift the edge of the epithelial flap,
4- and gently fold it back out of the way.
5- The surgeon then uses an excimer laser, as in LASIK or PRK, to sculpt the
corneal tissue underneath.
6- Afterward, the epithelial flap is placed back on the eye with a
kind of spatula.
7- Just like other forms of laser treatments, the cornea gains a new shape
for ideal focusing.
After
LASEK
In many
ways, what you can expect from LASEK is similar to what you can
expect from PRK. Patients usually wear a bandage contact lens for
around four days. You may feel eye irritation during the first day
or two afterward. Also, the time it takes to recover good vision is
often longer - up to four to seven days although this varies from one person
to the other.
|
