Laser vision correction without preparation of a LASIK flap goes by a number of names - LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis, surface LASIK, epithelial LASIK, epi-LASIK, or Advanced Surface Ablation). Although LASEK and LASIK sound the same, unlike traditional LASIK, LASEK does not require the preparation of a corneal stromal flap. This has three potential advantages:

1) Risks of making the corneal flap in LASIK are avoided.  This may be important in some patients in whom there is an additional risk in making the flap, or in patients who prefer a no-flap treatment. This technique may also be required for some occupations.

2) Since laser treatment is done on the surface, LASEK preserves more corneal tissue. In particular, patients who have thinner corneas may be more safely treated with a no flap technique rather than LASIK

3) LASEK may be an option for patients who are not good candidates for LASIK

At the beginning of the LASEK procedure, topical numbing drops are applied. A lid speculum holds your lids open to avoid blinking during the procedure. The surface cells of the cornea are first loosened and moved to the side. The laser treatment then is applied, taking between 30 seconds and 2 minutes depending on the desired correction. Medications are given and, at the end of the procedure, a contact lens bandage is applied and medications are given. You will use topical drops to avoid infection and control wound healing for approximately 3 weeks.

Vision after LASEK does take a little while longer to completely improve and stabilize than after LASIK. Substantial improvement usually is noticed the day after the procedure and fluctuates over the next 5 days. The contact lens is removed in 5 days in most patients. Most people return to work two days after the procedure.

As with traditional LASIK, there are two basic types of possible side effects with LASEK. Because patients may respond and heal differently, it is possible that the entire refractive error may not be corrected or that there might be some overcorrection. In this case, vision will be clearer without glasses, but less powerful glasses may still be necessary to fine tune to your best vision. Patients who are undercorrected or overcorrected often can undergo a retreatment procedure to further improve their vision. In addition, like LASIK, other optical side effects include haloes around lights and glare, especially at night. Other possible complications include scarring or corneal haze. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) Are results different from LASIK? No. Extensive clinical trials which we have published show no difference in outcomes. The only difference is extended time for vision stabilization in surface laser procedures. (Link to Clinical Study)

2) Is the laser different from LASIK? No. The same laser and technique is used.

3) Can a Custom Cornea Wavefront treatment be done? Yes. Again, the only difference from Custom LASIK, is in the first step in the procedure.

4) Aren't surface procedures more uncomfortable than LASIK? Advances in surgical technique and postoperative care have made the recovery period after LASEK quite comfortable as compared with the original PRK procedure years ago.