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Epilasik - Contact Lenses - Corneal Rings - PRK

Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK) is a new procedure similar to LASIK, also known as Epilasik but the flap is created differently. In a LASEK procedure, the surgeon temporarily removes only the epithelium (top layer of the cornea) instead of the epithelium and part of the deeper stroma layer as done when creating a traditional LASIK flap. The excimer ablation is performed under a hinge flap of corneal epithelium. With this procedure advantages include; thirty-five percent less tissue is removed, therefore the patient's who have thin corneas are now a candidate for laser vision correction. Also, no microkeratome is needed; therefore all complications associated with stromal flaps are eliminated. LASEK appears to be a superior option for patients with dry eyes.

Postoperatively, patients are not quite as comfortable as LASIK patients. Also, vision is somewhat blurry for the first 4-7 days. So, in the first postoperative week, traditional LASIK has more "wow" appeal. However, after 1-2 weeks, vision with LASEK is as good, or slightly better than, with LASIK. In the near future, LASEK is expected to be the preferred treatment for most patients.