LASIK Eye Surgery

Did You know there is a safer alternative to LASIK surgery?

The name of this new procedure is called LASEK. In LASEK, a layer of cells with a thickness of 50 micron (corneal epithelium) is removed from the surface of the eye (cornea). A computerized laser is used to reshape the cornea and then the corneal epithelium is replaced back on the cornea. After LASEK, a bandage contact lens is placed on the eye (cornea), which will be removed four days later. The advantage of LASEK over LASIK is that LASEK is much safer than LASIK because no cut is made on the eye (cornea) by a machine (Microkeratom) and the cornea stays intact. The disadvantage of LASEK is that it takes 3-4 days to recover vision and the patient has to use eye drops for 6-8 weeks.

Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)

An instrument called microkeratome is used to create a 160 micron thick corneal tissue flap that is gently lifted back. The corneal tissue under the flap is reshaped with excimer laser to correct the individual refractive error. The corneal flap is placed back in its original position and begins healing. The advantage of lasik is fast recovery. Patient starts to see in 24 to 48 hours. The disadvantages of lasik are:-Microkeratome complication: there is up to 8 % complication rate with microkeratome which are incomplete corneal flap, corneal epithelial defect, thin flap, hole in the flap and irregular tissue under the flap. -Infection and inflamation (diffuse lamellar keratitis) and epithelial downgrowth under the corneal flap. -Excessive thinning of corneal tissue under the flap that can lead to keratoconus and permanent damage of vision. -Dry eye. -Dislocation of the flap secondary to trauma even years after lasik surgery.