Laser eye surgery from ADVANCE VISIONCARE
Lasek Eye Surgery Procedure
LASEK is an abbreviation of Laser Epithelial Keratomilieusis and is a combination of the positive features of PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASIK (Laser Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy). LASEK is also sometimes known as 'Epi-Flap'.
The LASEK procedure involves the epithelium or outer layer of the cornea being placed aside with the help of a dilute alcohol solution. Once the epithelial layer has been displaced, an excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea, as in both LASIK and PRK. Upon completion of the excimer laser treatment, the epithelial layer is then returned to its original position. A bandage contact lens is placed over the cornea to aid healing for approximately four days.
Who is Suitable?
LASEK is primarily used on patients whose corneas (the clear part of the eye covering the iris and pupil; it lets light into the eye, permitting sight) are too thin, steep or flat for LASIK. It is also offered as an alternative to LASIK to patients whose prescriptions are low (up to -2D). This is because the ultra thin flap created means that the procedure is less invasive, and no microkeratome (flap maker) is involved; for some patients this may have a benefit. asfasfasfsagsdgrzsd
Why isn't everyone offered LASEK
LASEK is less invasive, therefore in the long term as safe as LASIK. So why isn't everybody offered this choice? The reason is that the recovery time after the procedure is longer (up to one week), and there may be more discomfort in the first 48 hours post-operatively. In addition, it is not possible to treat some high prescriptions due to the risk of post-operative haze.
However, there may be circumstances where LASEK is the treatment of choice for you. At Advance VisionCare it is possible to have both eyes treated on the same occasion with LASEK (at the surgeon's discretion), and despite it's initial slower recovery, at one month the results are very similar to LASIK.
By attending for a consultation at Advance VisionCare, our skilled clinical team will be able to provide you with all the details to help decide which is the most suitable treatment for you as an individual. This could be Wavefront LASIK / LASEK or Standard LASIK / LASEK.