LASEK Surgery Information
LASEK is a refractive surgery procedure that can be used to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Like LASIK, this surgery is carried out with the assistance of a laser that the surgeon uses to reshape the patient�s cornea. However, LASEK does not require the surgeon to cut a thick flap in the patient�s corneal tissue. The flap made during LASEK has been described as �ultra-thin.�
Advantages of LASEK
Patients and doctors like LASEK because it carries a lower risk of complications than traditional LASIK. LASEK can also be used to improve the vision of patients who are not good candidates for traditional LASIK. For example, patients with thin corneas or with steeply sloped corneas will get better results from LASEK.
Disadvantages of LASEK
Some patients experience a longer healing time with LASEK, and some doctors have observed that the healing period involves more discomfort than that of other laser eye surgery procedures.
Treatment Overview
During the LASEK procedure, the patient is given anesthetic eye drops to numb their eyes. Then the surgeon takes a tiny blade called a trephine and uses it to create a very thin epithelial flap. A diluted alcohol solution is applied to the eye for about 30 seconds to loosen up the edges of the flap. Then the flap is gently folded back, and the surgeon uses an excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. When the resculpting is finished, the surgeon gently smoothes the flap back into place. After surgery, some patients experience side effects such as blurred vision. It can take five to seven days before a patient�s permanent vision is obtained. It�s also common to feel discomfort for a few days after the LASEK procedure. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops and protective lenses to minimize the pain.
If you�re not a good candidate for traditional LASIK, LASEK laser eye surgery might be just the answer you�re looking for. Contact our London ophthalmology clinic today to schedule an appointment to learn more about this treatment option.