Lasik Eye Surgery Guide
LASEK
Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK)is known as a altered type of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). By using LASEK, rather than taking away the thin outer layer belonging to the cornea (the epithelium) entirely like for example PRK, the surgeon slices a region belonging to the epithelium by using a fine bladed instrument referred to as a trephine. A dilute alcohol solution will be used to loosen the actual cut epithelium. Typically the surgeon is going to carefully lift up as well as fold back the sagging epithelium, revealing your underlying corneal tissue for the excimer laser procedure.
Despite the fact that the amount of LASEK surgeries carried out is actually smaller in comparison to LASIK along with PRK, early outcomes present this kind of procedure as promising. Having said that, even more analyses will probably be required ahead of LASEK and it is broadly approved as being a feasible procedure amongst refractive surgeons.
Similar to LASIK as well as PRK, LASEK can certainly correct nearsightedness and farsightedness, with and without having astigmatism. Visible recuperation following LASEK will be typically swifter compared to soon after PRK although methodical compared to LASIK. The exact same problems associated with post-operative irritation as well as blurry vision which happen for 7 days or more following PRK can certainly impact LASEK patientsto a also.
Immediately after your laser re-shaping is concluded, the slender epithelium will be interchanged. In order to ensure that it stays undamaged and keep it in position, a bandage contact lens will be applied. Following three or four days and nights, the actual bandage contact lens are usually removed.
PRK versus LASIK
Because PRK does not create a permanent flap in the deeper corneal layers (the LASIK procedure involves a mechanical microkeratome using a metal blade or a femtosecond laser microkeratome to create a 'flap' out of the outer cornea), the cornea's structural integrity is less altered by PRK.
The LASIK process covers the laser treated area with the flap of tissue which is from 100 to 180 micrometres thick. This flap can mute the nuances of the laser ablation, whereas PRK performs the laser ablation at the outer surface of the cornea.
The use of the anti-metabolite mitomycin can minimize the risk of post-operative haze in persons requiring larger PRK corrections.PRK does not involve a knife, microkeratome, or cutting laser as used in LASIK, but there may be more pain and slower visual recovery. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not create the risk of dislocated corneal flaps which may occur (especially with trauma), at any time after LASIK.
PRK versus LASEK
Although PRK and LASEK basically use the same technique, there are minor differences between them. In PRK, epithelium is removed and the outermost layer below the epithelium is treated with laser. In LASEK, epithelium is not removed, but an alcoholic solution is used to cause the epithelial cells to weaken; the surgeon will fold the epithelial layer out of the laser treatment field, and fold it back in its original place after cornea has been reshaped by laser. If the epithelial flap is not strong enough to be laid back in its original place, it will be removed. The LASEK procedure becomes a PRK procedure.
Partial Source: Wikipedia
