LASEK / EPI-LASIK

This procedure resembles LASIK and PRK. With laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) the surgeon makes an ultra-thin flap of corneal epithelium and then applies an alcohol solution to loosen the flap which makes it easy to manipulate.

The surgeon then uses an eximer laser to ablate the corneal tissue to resculpture the contour fo the eye. Following that, the surgeon rolls back the epithelial flap to where it belongs. Antibiotic drops are prescribed and a clear contact lens is placed on the eye for a few days.

The LASEK procedure is gaining popularity because it is now available for those patients who are unable to have LASIK due to thin corneas, and for those people who would otherwise need PRK. LASEK helps reduce the recovery time of PRK and postoperative pain.