What Is LASEK? What Are Its Differences and Advantages?

There are effective treatment methods available to eye patients who want to say goodbye to glasses and contact lenses. We can say that laser surgery is one of the most effective treatments here.

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It must also be said that laser surgeries, which generally provide definitive and lasting results, have become far more varied with advancing technology. One of the laser treatments that stands out in this variety, which allows more people to be served, is LASEK. So what is LASEK? What advantages does it offer, and how is it performed? Let's take a look.

What Is LASEK?

LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy), is a surface laser treatment in which an excimer laser is used to create surface ablations on the cornea without creating any flap in the cornea.

Unlike common laser treatments such as LASIK, this method does not create a flap. The necessary corrections are made on the corneal surface using only the laser, and the patient’s vision becomes clear again.

The treatment is used to correct common refractive errors such as myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia.

How Is LASEK Surgery Performed? How Does the Process Work?

We noted that the procedure uses only the laser. It is worth adding that the surgical process is set up around this as well.

Just as in PRK, the LASEK procedure first works on the epithelial tissue on the surface of the eye. Diluted alcohol is applied to the epithelial tissue to loosen it. The epithelial tissue is then lifted.

Next, the same laser treatment used in LASIK is applied to the corneal surface. What sets this procedure apart from PRK is that the epithelial tissue is not folded and discarded. After the laser treatment, the epithelial tissue is placed back in position. This will make the recovery process faster.

As with All Laser Procedures, Pre-Procedure Preparations Are Similar

Like all other laser treatments, LASEK has preparation stages before the procedure. We can summarize the period before the operation as follows.

First, the patient’s eye condition is examined.
The corneal thickness is assessed.
Corneal topography is obtained.
The eye is checked for any other damage. All such checks are performed. After these checks, if the patient is suitable, the laser is set specifically to the patient’s eye prescription for the reshaping to be performed. Looking at these stages, we can say that PRK, LASIK and LASEK in fact have very similar preparation processes.

As with All Laser Procedures, Pre-Procedure Preparations Are Similar

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of LASEK Treatment?

Advantages

LASEK has some standout features that may lead patients to choose it over other laser treatments. We can list these as the advantages of LASEK.
It is a laser treatment that can be preferred for patients with thin corneas. Compared with LASIK, it involves no incision, so it can also be used on thinner corneas.
The absence of an incision and of a flap is effective in preventing corneal infections. Potential complications are eliminated.
After surgery, there is no risk of problems such as flap displacement.
It is especially preferred for patients who practice combat sports, because the risk of eye trauma is lower.

Disadvantages

Just as the treatment has its positive aspects, it also has points on which it is at a disadvantage compared with other treatments. Let's make a list of these as well.
Pain may last for a few days. The pain-free period does not begin immediately after the operation.
You may also find that a feeling of discomfort continues for some time.
Recovery times may be longer compared with LASIK. It will take a little more time for vision to become clear.
Blurred vision may occur for a certain period. However, this is described as a temporary condition.

Is There a Risk of Dry Eye After LASEK?

Because little is done to the cornea and no flap is created, the risk of dry eye after LASEK is lower. However, it should be remembered that dry eye is not related only to the intervention on the cornea.

Bringing the ocular surface and tear ducts to an optimal level before the operation means bringing the risk of dry eye down to its lowest levels. To prepare the ocular surface, you can also choose solutions such as Laser PrimeCare. As with similar methods, the main goal of Laser PrimeCare is to prepare the person by bringing the ocular surface to an optimal condition. You can get detailed information right here.

With all this, we have explained what LASEK is. Remember, your doctor’s guidance is very important when deciding on laser treatment. First and foremost, you need to be examined by a specialist doctor and find out which laser treatment will be best for you.

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