LASEK

LASEK stands for Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis. The epithelium is your cornea’s outer layer. It is a new eye surgery procedure which makes use of a trephine to create an epithelial flap and an alcohol based solution to help preserve the epithelial cells. LASEK is not for everyone but it is a much better option for people with thin corneas who might not be qualified for a LASIK surgery.

The LASEK procedure begins with the creation of an epithelial flap. The epithelium is cut with a fine blade referred to as a trephine. The trephine is much finer than the microkeratome cutting tool which is used in LASIK procedures. The eye would then be soaked in a solution made up of 20% of alcohol for approximately 30 seconds. This is done to loosen up the edges of the epithelium. After sponging out the alcohol from the eye, the surgeon would then use a tool, similar to a small hoe, to aid him in lifting the epithelial flap and gently lift it out of the way. Once the epithelial flap has been removed, the surgeon would use an Excimer Laser to sculpt the underlying corneal tissue. After this, the epithelial flap is repositioned through the use of a small spatula. LASEK preserves about 160 microns more in terms of corneal tissue when compared to the LASIK procedure.

Before the surgery, the use of contact lenses must be stopped several weeks before you are scheduled to undergo the procedure. By doing this, your corneas would be allowed to go back to their original shape. Local anesthetic would be administered before the procedure begins.

After the surgery, you should expect pretty much the same things as you would expect if you have had LASIK surgery. It takes only about one day for the epithelial flap to heal but you would still have to wear the bandage contacts for about 4 days. You might also feel a little irritation during the first few days and encounter haloing effect but all these are temporary and will go away after a while. .

As for vision recovery, LASEK takes a bit longer when compared to LASIK. It takes about one to two weeks whereas LASIK only takes about a week. Many doctors prefer using LASEK but because of the longer recovery time, it is not advisable for busy people who are always on the go.

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