LASEK

LASEK (laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratomileusis) is an alternative to LASIK and PRK.

LASEK laser eye surgery is a modification of LASIK in which the corneal flap is thinner, containing only epithelial cells. The delicate epithelium is removed by loosening it from the underlying cornea with an alcohol solution. It’s then pushed to the side and the laser treatment is applied. The epithelial “flap” is then replaced and covered with a bandage contact lens until it reattaches to the underlying cornea. In most cases, there is less post-operative discomfort with LASEK compared to PRK, and vision recovery may be faster.

LASEK is sometimes preferred over LASIK in cases when the patient’s cornea is judged to be too thin for a safe LASIK procedure.