Understanding LASEK: The Procedure and Its Advantages

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 10, 2011 -- Even if you are not a candidate for LASIK, improved vision is still attainable with LASEK (http://www.eyes.com/lasek.html). This procedure allows patients with thin corneas to undergo laser vision correction and experience results similar to those of LASIK.

After receiving laser vision correction, many patients are able to dramatically reduce their use of contacts and glasses. Many people experience 20/40 vision or better, which is considered safe to drive without glasses or contacts.

What Makes LASEK Different

LASEK is a laser vision correction procedure. Using a laser, these procedures reshape the contours of the cornea to improve:

• Nearsightedness
• Farsightedness
• Astigmatism

In the LASIK procedure, a thin flap is created in the cornea. The hinged flap is bent backwards, exposing the middle layer of the cornea, which is reshaped with the laser.

LASEK is similar to LASIK and used as an alternative for people who are not LASIK candidates. The difference between the two is the blade used to create the corneal flap. In LASIK, a blade called a “microkerotome” is used. In LASEK, the blade is different, it's called a “trephine.” It only cuts the outermost layer of the cornea, the epithelium.

People with thin corneas are not good candidates for traditional LASIK. If you find yourself disqualified from LASIK because of your corneas, LASEK may be the alternative for you.

Oftentimes PRK (“photorefractive keratectomy”) is chosen as an alternative to LASIK. PRK does not create a corneal flap at all; instead, the epithelial cells at the surface are directly removed (“ablated”) to expose the middle layer of the cornea. The epithelium is permanently removed, unlike being retained in the LASIK flap. The cells grow back in the weeks and months following PRK. LASEK provides a second alternative.

Vision after LASEK

PRK used to be the only alternative available to people who did not qualify for LASIK. Although PRK and LASIK have similar success rates, PRK has some disadvantages. These disadvantages include:

• Uncomfortable recovery
• Longer recovery

Discomfort is caused by the growth of new epithelial cells, and you will not experience vision improvement as quickly as with LASIK.

LASEK provides another alternative to people who are not candidates for LASIK. LASEK recovery may take a few days longer, but the epithelial cells will not have to grow back.

If you are not a candidate for LASIK, LASEK may be the solution for you. To find out more about LASEK, please find an experienced eye doctor in your area on http://www.eyes.com.

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