Terminologies such as LASIK and LASEK are medical jargon that often confuse us. Though these terms might sound similar, they are quite different from one another. LASEK and LASIK are laser eye corrective surgical processes that are used to correct certain eye issues such as astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness. Here, excimer lasers are used to ablate and reshape the cornea, thus correcting vision.
Patients who can’t undergo the procedure of LASIK can always opt for LASEK surgery. All you need to do is get in touch with an eye doctor and appear for a comprehensive eye test- they will evaluate your vision health and suggest the best surgical method to correct your refractive error. In this blog, we will learn the meaning of LASIK and LASEK, along with the differences between them. Stay tuned with us till the end!
What is LASIK Treatment?
LASIK surgery is the most common type of eye surgery- here, the cornea is reshaped to fix farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK surgery is pain-free, and the overall process takes around 15 minutes. Before the process begins, the surgeon will numb your eyes using an anaesthetic drop. After that, the doctor will make a small hinged flap around the front of your eye using the cutting laser. In the next step, the doctor uses a programmed laser to reshape parts of your cornea to correct your refractive error. Once the procedure is completed, they lay the flap back in place, which heals itself in a while without any stitches. You will be asked to focus on a beam of light to keep your focus in one place, and you’ll also experience a bit of pressure on your eyes during the procedure.
After effects of LASIK treatment
The recovery is faster in LASIK treatment(Laser in situ keratomileusis), and it takes 4 to 6 hours in general.
Follow everything that your surgeon says regarding medication or aftercare- ensure to have proper rest and limit your screen time for the initial 24 hours.
You can get your hands on protective glasses for optimum protection.
Also, you won’t be able to drive after going through this LASIK eye surgery.
So, if you are driving to the appointment in the first place, remember to take someone else with you who will be able to drive you back home.
Take adequate rest and start driving your car once you get a green signal from your doctor.
Advantages of LASIK eye surgery:
Vision gets better or 20/40 after this surgery.
Healing time in LASIK treatment is faster- it takes nearly 24 hours.
Minimally invasive process.
Fewer complications, such as hazy vision.
Disadvantages of LASIK eye surgery:
The corneal flap created during LASIK is usually safe, but in rare cases it can lead to certain complications like wrinkling, shifting out of place, or tearing.
If the flap is dislodged, it can eventually become bumped.
What is LASEK Treatment?
LASEK treatment (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy), on the other hand, is a surface laser treatment that takes place on your cornea’s surface. Patients dealing with a thinner cornea can choose to undergo the process of LASEK eye surgery.
Similar to LASIK, an eye-drop anaesthetic is used to make the overall process absolutely painless. Also, the surgeon uses dilute alcohol in order to loosen the epithelium (the top skin layer of your eyes)- the surgeon then brushes it off. When compared to LASIK, LASEK treatment only involves the excimer laser to reshape your corneal tissue. The process takes approximately 10 minutes. After completion, your surgeon will provide you with a special bandage contact lens that you need to use for 3-4 days, as it will boost your comfort level and make you feel relieved during the recovery process.
After effects of LASEK treatment
Right after the treatment is over, you might face sensitivity to light or moderate discomfort. Don’t worry, your surgeon will prescribe tablets and painkiller drops so that you can feel at ease.
Apart from that, you also need to take steroid drops and antibiotics to avoid any chances of infection and ensure speedy recovery.
While your vision might seem blurry in the initial days, it will improve with proper care.
You need to adhere to everything that is suggested by your LASEK surgeon- that’s it. The recovery process takes quite a few weeks- don’t drive (similar to LASIK eye surgery) and ensure to take appropriate rest.
Advantages of LASEK eye surgery:
Dry eyes are not that common in LASEK eye surgery.
People with thin corneas can opt for this treatment option.
Vision becomes better or 20/40 after surgery.
Corneal flap complications are nonexistent.
Disadvantages of LASEK eye surgery:
Discomfort and pain can bother you for quite a few days.
Healing time is longer.
A compromised corneal structure often paves the way toward creating haze.
What are the Differences Between LASIK and LASEK?
Take a quick look at the differences between LASIK and LASEK treatment:
How Can You Choose Between the Two Procedures?
Both these procedures- LASIK and LASEK- are similar and provide the same result. They correct your vision and reshape the cornea by using laser technology. Seek professional guidance from an ophthalmologist, and they will help you choose the best option.
First of all, the laser eye surgeons will determine the refractive eye correction surgery by conducting an assessment. For instance, if you have thin corneas, they will suggest LASEK treatment since it is a better option in that case. Also, LASEK eye surgery is optimal for nearsightedness and myopia. Eye surgeons can also prefer LASEK or LASIK treatment based on their expertise in a given field. Contact your ophthalmologist and make an informed decision after having a word with the experts.
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