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.