Laser vision correction — the LASEK method

LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Ephithelium Keratomileusis) is another so-called surface method offered in our Centre. As in the TransPRK method, in LASEK the corneal epithelium is removed, yet instead of a laser an alcohol solution is applied.

We encourage you to read articles about the TransPRK and SBK LASIK correction methods.

What is the LASEK procedure and what does it look like?

In the first stage of the procedure, after the instillation of anaesthetic drops, an ophthalmic surgeon uses an alcohol solution to soften the corneal epithelium, and then gently moves it away from the laser’s field of action.

The cornea prepared in this way is exposed to the laser. The procedure ends with the application of a contact lens as a dressing. Appropriate modelling of the tissues of the anterior corneal layer allows for visual acuity improvement.

Pain and discomfort may be experienced up to 3-4 days after the procedure, i.e. until the corneal epithelium regenerates.

Who is LASEK for?

LASEK is a method suitable for those patients who cannot undergo an SBK LASIK surgery due to medical reasons. It is performed in people who practise contact sports (such as martial arts) or those who are applying for a job in uniformed services (the police or fire service).

Sensations directly after the surgery

Once the effect of the anaesthetic drops administered during the procedure wears off, the patient may experience pain, lacrimation, oversensitivity to light, and blurred vision. These sensations usually disappear about a week after the procedure. During this time the patient may take pain killers as needed.

Convalescence time

Depending on the corrected vision defect and the patient’s individual features, the convalescence period may look different. In the case of the LASEK surgery, it takes approximately 10 days – slightly longer than after the SBK LASIK procedure.
Regardless of the correction method, we estimate the corneal healing process to take about a month, hence it is necessary to avoid staying in dusty or smoky environments, bathing in water reservoirs (swimming pool, sea) and using a sauna.

Physical exercise after the LASEK procedure is allowed a bit sooner than in the case of the SBK LASIK method – we are talking here about at least a week break from the training. The final decision regarding the patient’s return to physical activity is taken by the ophthalmologist on the basis of observation of the recovery period in a particular patient.

Follow-up appointment

A follow-up appointment after the LASEK surgery is scheduled a week after the procedure. During the examination, the doctor removes the bandage contact lens from the surface of the cornea.

Improvement and stabilisation of vision

After the surgery, the patient does not need any corrective glasses as visual acuity is good enough to allow for functioning without them. Vision improvement after the LASEK procedure is gradual, and blurry vision and fluctuations in visual acuity are likely to occur as a result of the corneal healing process. The stabilisation of visual acuity may take up to six months until the desired effect is obtained. The actual time depends on the corrected vision defect, the patient’s age and adherence to the post-operative guidelines.

Contraindications

• Very severe vision defects
• Excessively thin cornea
• Eye diseases – glaucoma, cataract (until it is treated surgically) and untreated keratoconus
• Eye infections and poor general health condition (e.g. diabetes with retinopathy),
• Advanced Dry Eye Syndrome (DES).

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