LASEK (epi-LASIK)

LASEK is a procedure similar to LASIK that does not involve cutting of the eye to create a flap.

Instead, the surface cells are gently reflected away from the cornea. Laser treatment is then applied exactly as in LASIK to correct the eyeglass prescription. The surface cells are then replaced and covered with a contact lens to allow them to heal quickly.

LASEK is therefore similar to an older procedure called PRK which also treated through the surface without a flap. The main difference is that in PRK, the surface cells are discarded and the surface is then allowed to heal on its own. Because the surface cells are saved in LASEK, the eye tends to heal faster with less chance of pain and other problems. Both procedures are also called 'surface-based treatments' because they do not involve cutting of a flap.

Although the long term results with LASEK are as good as with LASIK, there is generally more postoperative pain and a longer recovery period. Patients have blurry vision until the surface cells fully heal in and smooth out. There is also a slightly increased risk of developing scarring on the surface, especially if healing is delayed. For these reasons, most patients have LASIK if they are able. Patients with thin corneas, very strong prescriptions, or those who do not want to take the small risk of having a flap are the most frequent candidates for having LASEK.

With the advent of the ultrafast Intralase laser, which is capable of very thin flaps, LASEK has become a less common procedure. It is now possible to perform LASIK on a number of patients who were previously told their corneas were too thin to have the procedure.