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Home Locate an Eye Surgeon Procedures Videos LASIK FAQ Articles Ask an Expert Blog July 24, 2008

LASEK - E-LASIK - Epithelial LASIK

What Is LASEK?

Laser epithelial keratomileusis, or LASEK / E-LASIK, is a form of laser vision correction used to treat astigmatism, nearsightedness or farsightedness. LASEK combines many of the benefits of the two most commonly performed procedures, LASIK and PRK. This refractive surgery technique is more commonly used on people with corneas that are too thin or too flat for LASIK.

About LASEK

In LASEK, the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is cut with a trephine blade, which is finer than the microkeratome cutting tool used in LASIK. Following the cut, the surgeon uses an alcohol solution to loosen the edges of the epithelium.
LASIK
LASEK / E-LASIK
Epi-LASIK
Wavefront LASIK
Presby LASIK
IntraLase
PRK Laser Surgery
Corneal Inlays / Onlays
Refractive Surgery
The solution sits in for about 30 seconds. Once the edges are loose, the surgeon uses a hoe-like tool to lift the epithelial flap and fold it back out of the way. Then, an excimer laser is used to sculpt the corneal tissue underneath. Finally, the surgeon places the epithelial flap back on the eye to complete the surgery.

How do I know if LASEK is for me?

LASEK may be more suited for patients that have very thin or steep corneas. When a surgeon finds difficulty creating a proper LASIK flap, LASEK usually becomes the alternative. Since injury to the eye is more serious after LASIK than LASEK, people with professions or hobbies that have a higher risk of injuring the eye (such as boxing) may be better suited for LASEK.

After LASEK

According to surgeons that perform LASEK, the flap edge heals in about a day, though patients usually wear a bandage contact lens for about four days. During the first couple of days after LASEK you may experience some eye irritation. It can take up to seven days to recover good vision. Of course, it varies from person to person.

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