LASEK vs. LASIK

LASEK is a refractive eye surgery procedure used as an alternative to LASIK. Although most people are candidates for LASIK, in some cases, an alternative procedure may be suggested.

Thin or steep corneas are typically considered ill-suited to a traditional LASIK surgery. During LASIK, a hinged flap is created with a blade called a microkeratome. Adequate corneal thickness is desirable to create this flap.

In LASEK, a finer blade called a trephine is used to create a flap. The trephine cuts a thinner flap than the microkeratome. In both procedures, the flap is placed back over the cornea at the end of the procedure.

If your eye surgeon determines you are not a candidate for LASIK, he or she may suggest any one of the other refractive eye surgery procedures, including LASEK or PRK. These procedures have vision improvement results similar to LASIK, although LASEK and PRK require a couple weeks before your vision results are apparent. Results of LASIK manifest in just a few days.

To learn more about LASIK and other refractive eye surgery procedures, please contact an experienced eye surgeon in your area.

Will I Need Another LASIK Surgery?

In some cases, LASIK recipients require an additional surgery. This revision surgery is called "enhancement" LASIK. The percentage of patients requiring LASIK enhancement is relatively low, somewhere between five to more than 15 percent.

A LASIK enhancement may be necessary if you experience undesirable results or a complication. Enhancements are sometimes suggested for:

• Undercorrection
• Overcorrection
• Regression
• Induced astigmatism
• Epithelial ingrowth

If you experience blurriness or other undesirable vision effects after traditional or custom LASIK, your eye surgeon will wait at least three months before considering an enhancement. After your surgery, it’s normal to experience fluctuations and aberrations in vision quality. Most vision issues correct themselves as your eyes heal; however, if you are having trouble driving and performing other tasks because of blurry vision three months after LASIK, you may need an enhancement surgery.

Enhancement LASIK carries the same risks as your original surgery, so the decision to undergo a second procedure requires deliberation by both yourself and your eye surgeon. Remember that LASIK does not guarantee 20/20 vision, or even better vision than you had with glasses or contact lenses. Instead, LASIK is supposed to reduce your dependence on corrective eyewear. Enhancements may be suggested only if your poor vision is severe.

To learn more about LASIK eye surgery, please contact an experienced eye surgeon in your area.

Eye Health Neccessary Before LASIK

Today, many people can experience improved vision with LASIK. Although most people are candidates for the vision correction surgery, certain eye conditions may require treatment before you can be considered a LASIK candidate. Such eye conditions include:

· Conjunctivitis

· Cataracts

· Glaucoma

· Chronic dry eyes

· Eye injury

· Diseases of the retina

These eye conditions can increase the risk of LASIK complications, which are otherwise uncommon. Certain eye conditions interfere with the ability of your body to heal and recover after LASIK.

An ophthalmologist can successfully treat most ocular health problems. Once proper eye health is restored, you can revisit LASIK as a vision correction option. Certain eye problems, such as cataracts, may mean LASIK is not right for you. Oftentimes, patients with cataracts benefit from an alternative eye surgery procedure replacing the eye lens.

Regardless of your existing eye conditions, the only way to know if LASIK is right for you is to consult an experienced eye surgeon. Modern ophthalmology offers a wide range of refractive procedures, including surgical approaches tailored to patients who do not qualify for LASIK.

To find out if LASIK may be right for you, please contact an experienced eye surgeon in your area.