LASEK Operation - Your Way To Correct Myopia?

Poor eyesight or vision used to be correctible only by using eyeglasses. About twenty years ago, a surgery was developed that made vision correction possible through an outpatient surgical procedure.

At the current time, there are three types of these surgeries available. One of these is LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) eye surgery and this is about who qualifies for it, what it entails and when it is used.

Recommended reading:


Lasik/Lasek the New Horizons in Quality of Vision

LASEK operation is done to correct abnormalities in the cornea or to counteract cataracts. In either case, the procedure enhances the way the eye uses or “refracts” light. Hence, the name of refractive eye surgery.

These procedures reduce the patient’s reliance on visual aids like glasses or contact lenses.

A patient needs to meet a set of criteria to be considered a candidate for LASEK surgery.

Those people suffering from myopia, astigmatism or hyperopia may be in line for LASEK surgery.

When You Are A Candidate

• Pupils that are larger than normal.
• Corneas that are thin.
• Steeply pointed corneal tissues.
• Dry eye syndrome (inactive tear ducts/nerves).
• Myopia that is too severe for a safe PRK procedure.
• Specific corneal diseases.

Once you have met the requirements and made the decision to have LASEK operation, you will want to know what to expect. Be aware that you will be awake for this procedure.

The eye will be anesthetized (numbed) and a very thin knife will be used to make an incision. This incision gives the surgeon access to the cornea, which is sculpted with a laser tool.

Make a note of the fact that the full effects of the procedure will not be seen for about a week or so.

The only real risk associated with LASEK is a possible loss of the epithelium (thin layer of tissue over the cornea). If the doctor sees this problem, then PRK is usually selected over LASEK. Patients selecting LASEK because they are not a candidate for PRK may experience serious complications like hazing of the cornea.

PRK And LASIK

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) reshapes the eye from the exterior and carries significant risk of complications and a longer recovery time.

LASIK (Laser Assisted In Suto Keratomileusis) creates a “flap” in the tissue covering the cornea that needs to be replaced afterward.

The hazing of the cornea is not an issue with LASIK, but the results are almost immediate. There is a possibility of the nerves controlling tear production being cut resulting in dry eye syndrome.

LASEK surgery has its place, as you can see, and your doctor can help you make an educated decision on which procedure is best for you.



Read more about Corrective Eye Surgery here

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