LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomilieusis)

The excimer laser emits short wavelength ultraviolet light which has the property of breaking the bonds between the molecules of the cornea, the clear ‘front window’ of the eye. The process is remarkably gentle and occurs without any burning of the tissue. The excimer laser reshapes the cornea, altering its focusing power to correct the eye’s vision defect. For example in short sight the cornea is flattened to reduce its power. The procedure is precisely controlled by a computer enabling one microscopic layer at a time to be removed. Excimer lasers have been in use for more than a decade and are generally safe and accurate. The vision correction they produce is permanent.

The excimer laser is incredibly precise as shown
in this enlarged view of an etched human hair

LASEK is the newest method of laser vision correction. A specially designed instrument is used to temporarily remove the extremely fine surface layer of the cornea. The laser is then applied. The corneal tissue is then replaced and a contact lens is applied. The contact lens is removed after a few days when healing has occurred. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and requires only eye drops for anaesthesia - no injections are needed. The principle advantage of LASEK compared to LASIK is that it is much less ‘surgical’ or ‘interventional’. This is because unlike LASIK no flap of corneal tissue is cut with an automated instrument. The thin layer of tissue on the cornea surface that is utilised for LASEK has the property of self-regenerating, similar to a scratch on skin. This has important positive implications for the safety of LASEK.

The disadvantage of LASEK is that it is less convenient than LASIK. The eye may be uncomfortable for 1-3 days afterwards (although I prescribe anaesthetic eye drops which are very effective) and vision may be blurred for 1-3 weeks after for low corrections and considerably longer for high corrections. As with all surgery a complication may occur but this is rare and LASEK has rapidly gained popularity because of its excellent safety profile. I carry out the before- and after-care myself, not just the surgery, so these important aspects of your care are not delegated to someone else.