What is LASEK eye surgery? LASEK means (Laser-Assisted-Epithelial-Keratomileusis); an eye surgery meant for correcting short sightedness, astigmatism and long sightedness. LASEK is used in situ keratomileusis to stand for stands for laser, meaning utilization of laser beneath a corneal flap to reshape the keratomileusis (cornea). This procedure makes use of a highly specialized laser called exciner laser modified for treating refractive errors, improving vision, and eliminating or reducing the need for contact lens or glasses. This laser procedure is meant for reshaping the cornea i.e. the eye`s transparent frontage covering. LASEK is usually recommended for patients whose corneas are too steep or too steep for LASIK, especially in a situation where creating thicker LASIK flap may be difficult. The main aim behind the development of LASEK eye surgery was to minimize the chance of occurrence of complications when the flap formed during LASIK surgery fails to have the ideal diameter or thickness.
The LASEK Eye Procedure
Before laser eye surgery
Before LASEK eye surgery, the patient books an appointment with the surgeon to discuss matters relating to surgical procedure such as: evaluation of the patient`s medical history, carrying out different eye tests for example measuring refraction, pupil dilation, corneal thickness, eye pressure and corneal mapping. In this stage, the surgeon responds to the patient`s queries after which the appointment for LASEK eye surgical procedure is scheduled.
During the procedure
LASEK eye surgery, also known as Epi-LASEK is a procedure involving removal of the outer layer of the cornea inform of a flap-like sheet prior to re-sculpting it using an excimer laser. After that, the epithelial sheet is replaced on the exterior of the eye after which soft contact lens is placed for some days. LASEK eye procedure is carried out under a relevant anaesthesia positioned straight into the patient`s eye. The procedure begins by treatment of the epithelium or outer layer of cells using alcohol for duration of about 30 seconds to detach it from the primary tissue. After this step, the epithelium is then rolled or lifted back to allow the doctor to get entrance the cornea tissue. This newly uncovered tissue is treated using a laser similar to that used in PRK and LASIK eye surgery. Finally, the outer layer of cells or epithelium is replaced, after which the procedure is considered complete.
After the procedure
The outcomes of LASEK eye surgery are similar to those of LASIK eye surgery; however the patient is required to put on an exceptional contact lens that serves the purpose of bandage for about 4 days after LASEK eye surgery, although the flap formed heals in one day's time. During the recovery process especially for during the first two days, the patient may experience changes including irritation, however this last for a short duration.
Advantages of LASEK eye surgery
There are two major benefits associated with LASEK eye surgery i.e. It helps to avoid complications that occur due to cutting and reattaching of the flap found in the cornea, and second, this procedure is less likely to cause eye dryness as compared to other surgical procedures.
