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What is LASEK? |
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LASEK is an alternative to LASIK and other refractive procedures that correct the way that the eye bends light. Some people are not candidates for LASIK eye surgery, and oftentimes an ophthalmologist will recommend an alternative surgery. |
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| Author: Sara Goldstein |
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Differences between LASEK and LASIK
Laser vision correction changes the way the eye bends (refracts) light by reshaping the cornea with a laser. In LASIK surgery, a hinged flap is created in the cornea and folded back so that the middle layer of the cornea (the stroma) can be reshaped with the laser. Some people are not good candidates for LASIK because of the corneal flap creation. For example, a LASIK surgeon may not be able to effectively create a flap in the eyes of patients with very steep or thin corneas.
Alternatives like LASEK and PRK make it possible to receive laser vision correction even if you are not a candidate for LASIK. In LASEK, a much thinner blade is used to make an incision in the cornea. This incision is shallower than the incision in LASIK. An alcohol solution is briefly applied to the outermost layer of cells on your cornea. This outer layer is called the epithelium. The solution loosens the epithelium so that it can be moved aside from the cornea. After the cornea is reshaped with a laser, the epithelium is moved back to its proper position over the cornea.
Some of the advantages of LASEK include:
• LASEK does not pose corneal flap complications
• LASEK may be a good solution for patients concerned about LASIK and dry eyes
• LASEK preserves more corneal tissue
During a laser vision correction consultation, an experienced ophthalmologist can determine whether LASEK or LASIK is the best treatment for you.
When You Would Need a LASIK Alternative
LASEK and LASIK are not the only refractive vision correction procedures. If you have thin corneas, wide pupils, or other conditions, an ophthalmologist may decide you are not a good candidate for LASIK. PRK is an advanced surface ablation procedure that is used instead of LASIK. PRK does not involve any corneal incisions. PRK removes the outermost epithelium just like LASEK, but the epithelium is not replaced. Instead, these cells grow back over time.
To learn more about refractive surgery procedures in San Francisco, San Jose and Bay Area, California, please visit the website of the Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley.
About Author
Dr. Gary Kawesch is the leading provider of eye care and LASIK in the San Francisco Bay Area. Other eye care offered includes Custom LASIK, Wavefront treatment, No-Blade LASIK, thin-flap LASIK, LASEK, PRK, implantable contact lenses, refractice lens exchange and more. Contact Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley to schedule a free LASIK consultation.
Article Source:
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