Laser assisted sub-epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK), is also know as Epi-LASIK.
An acronym for Laser Assisted sub-Epithelial Keratectomy, a refractive surgical procedure similar to PRK, where the surface cells (epithelium) of the cornea are removed prior to laser treatment. Then the laser reshapes the cornea to improve vision. Once the laser ablation is completed, the surface cells are replaced over the reshaped area.
Laser trabeculoplasty is a procedure to stretch the drainage holes in the eye’s trabecular meshwork to improve the drainage of normal eye fluid. Laser trabeculoplasty, a treatment for glaucoma, is accomplished with a high-intensity laser and a special lens
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a type of refractive surgery that changes the shape of the cornea to correct vision disorders such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The surgery involves making a thin circular-hinged cut in the cornea using a special cutting laser called a keratome. After lifting the circular flap, an excimer laser – a laser that doesn’t produce heat – is used to reshape the cornea based on the patient’s corrective lens prescription.
Comparison of LASIK and LASEK
LASIK and LASEK eye surgeries are equally safe and effective, U.S. researchers conclude.
In LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) surgery, a flap is made in the top layer of the eye’s cornea, allowing a surgeon to reshape the underlying cornea.
In LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis) surgery, the top layer of the cornea is treated with alcohol and then peeled back to permit reshaping of the underlying layer. LASEK avoids the flap-related complications associated with LASIK.
In this procedure the excimer laser is used to ablate the most anterior portion of the corneal stroma. These procedures do not require a partial thickness cut into the stroma. Surface ablation methods differ in the way the epithelial layer is handled. In PRK the epithelium is removed, a large epithelial defect ensues, and healing occurs by migration of surrounding epithelium (usually within a week). In LASEK and Epi-LASIK surgery, the patient’s epithelium is not removed .The epithelium is lifted as a sheet and then after laser ablation, the epithelial sheet is re-placed to cover the treated area. In LASEK dilute alcohol is used to loosen the epithelium.In Epi-LASIK, a purely mechanical means of epithelial dissection (using Epikeratome) allows the creation of the epithelial sheet.
