LASEK


LASEK - Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis

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Refractive Error Correction

  • Myopia - Nearsightedness or short sightedness.  This is corrected by flattening the front surface of the eye using a laser.
  • Hyperopia - Long sightedness or farsightedness.  This is corrected by making the central cornea steeper.  This is accomplished by directing the laser beam to remove tissue from around this area.
  • Astigmatism - This is corrected by using a laser to reshape the steepest part of the cornea to make it more spherical.

LASEK is a newer form of laser eye surgery compared with LASIK and PRK.  It is recommended over other procedures when corneal tissue needs to be spared for example when it is too thin or if the cornea is very flat.  It is also, often recommended by ophthalmologists if you are involved in certain contact sports. 

Within this Laser Eye Surgery Guide, you can find out about your suitability for laser eye surgery, the benefits of the procedure, the cost of surgery, together with side effects and risks of the procedure.  There are also numerous articles, to read about various aspects of laser eye surgery.

If you are looking for a laser eye surgery clinic, visit the Find page and select your town to find a clinic near you.

LASEK Procedure

LASEK is an outpatient procedure and overnight stay is not required.  You will remain awake throughout the procedure as only a local anaesthetic is used, thus you will remain fully conscious and be able to see out of the treated eye(s), although vision may be blurred.  The whole procedure is usually completed within 20 minutes with the laser application lasting just minutes, depending on your prescription.

Initially the eye area is numbed using anaesthetic drops so that discomfort is minimised.  This may sting for a few seconds.  The eye area is then cleansed with an antibacterial wash.  Next, the epithelium of the eye is softened with alcohol and folded aside.  Then, the eye is lasered.  You will be required to stare at a light whilst the laser is at work.  The laser application involves the use of an excimer laser to reshape the cornea by removing tiny amounts of corneal tissue.  A clicking noise and a smell similar to the burning of hair can be noticed when the laser is at work.  After the laser procedure, the epithelium is replaced on the cornea.  

You will be discharged shortly after LASEK surgery but care must be taken.  You may be advised to use a soft contact lens for a few days following surgery.  This enables clear vision directly after treatment and can help reduce pain.  Visit the Aftercare & Advice page, to find out about what you cat and can't do during recovery.

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