Lasik Versus Lasek
January 21, 2010 by admin
Filed under Lasik eye surgery
LASEK (or laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis) is a laser sight correction routine that’s similar to both LASIK and indeed PRK
In all 3 operations, an excimer laser is applied to reshape the cornea and correct sight. The processes differ in the formulation of the cornea before the excimer laser treatment.
But as opposed to PRK, where the superficial level of the cornea (named the epithelium) is removed and cast aside before the laser reshaping of the eye, in LASEK, the epithelium is loosened and lifted out, however is then substituted on the eye following the laser procedure.
LASEK vs. LASIK
In LASIK, a flap is produced in the cornea before the excimer laser treatment. This flap, which is made with a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome, comprises some the external layer of the cornea (the epithelium) and underlying corneal tissue known as the stroma. Normally, a LASIK flap is 120 to 160 microns thick.
In LASEK, a flap is produced, however it is a good deal thinner and comprises solely of the corneal epithelium. A LASEK flap is just 90 to 100 microns thick. This flap is repositioned following the excimer laser treatment, and fresh epithelial cells grow onto the eyeball to supersede those in the flap.
One advantage of LASEK in comparison with LASIK is that the LASEK flap allows for the full corneal stroma to remain intact, therefore additional stromal tissue stays for reshaping by the excimer laser. For rectification of the same numbers of shortsightedness, this ensures the cornea should have higher residual thickness and biomechanical durability following LASEK than after LASIK.
Additionaly it could be less hazardous for a lot of patients — particularly those with thinner-than average corneas — to have their shortsightedness rectified with LASEK in comparison with LASIK.
Analyses indicate LASEK develops visual results that are alike those created by LASIK. Nevertheless, post-operative recovery and visual recuperation calls for longer with LASEK, which may be annoying to some patients.