Lasik Vs. Lasek Surgery

The first type of laser eye surgery was known as Photorefractive Keratectomy, or PRK. After experimentation and several years, PRK evolved into LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. LASEK (Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis) combines the best of PRK and LASIK eye surgery. All three laser eye surgeries are similar, but have distinct differences in procedures.

LASIK Procedure

The one-minute LASIK procedure uses a microkeratome to cut into the cornea. The microkeratome is placed over the eye and a vacuum is applied. During the cut both the epithelium and stroma form of a flap that is approximately 180 µ thick. An Excimer laser is then used to ablate corneal material that sculpts a new shape to correct for vision abnormalities. The microkeratome is removed from the eye and the epithelium and stroma flap are placed in their prior position. Total time for the LASIK surgery from start to finish is approximately 15 minutes.

LASIK Recovery

Recovery time from LASIK eye surgery is approximately two days. The patient is allowed to drive within three days of surgery. LASIK is appropriate for those who have a thick cornea, but not recommended for those with a thin cornea. It is possible to achieve vision correction of 20/20 or better. LASIK produces better results if a follow-up enhancement surgery is required. There is very little pain or discomfort after LASIK eye surgery.

LASEK Procedure

LASEK uses a device called a trephine to cut 50 µ into the epithelium layer. The corneal layer underneath the epithelium is not cut as it is in the LASIK procedure. An alcohol solution is introduced under the epithelium layer enabling it to be lifted away from the cornea. As with the LASIK procedure an Excimer laser ablates corneal material reshaping and correcting for a visual abnormalities. After the one-minute surgery, the epithelial layer is returned to the cornea.

After LASEK

The epithelium heals within 24 hours, and the patients can drive within one week. The full recovery time is about six to eight weeks. The LASEK procedure produces more pain, but it is a much better choice for those patients with a thin cornea. There is less risk of hazing and more corneal tissue is preserved. There is also less risk of dry eye syndrome that is sometimes found with LASIK patients.

Considerations

LASIK patients with a thin cornea may suffer disappointing results. The epithelial corneal flap may become dislodged with trauma injuries to the eye. The LASIK flap may result in scar tissue and lead to astigmatism. LASEK patients take longer to heal and suffer more discomfort than LASIK patients. Both LASIK and LASEK patients require extensive screening for eye disease. Those patients who are predisposed to dry eyes or pupils of abnormal normal size should consider PRK as an alternative to LASIK or LASEK.

References

• FDA
• Eye Smart

Resources

• American Optometric Association