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.
