LASEK eye surgery is closely related to PRK surgery. This surgery has been used to treat myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. LASEK selectively combines some techniques of PRK and LASIK. PRK and LASEK have become highly recommended options for people who are not eligible for LASIK surgery. Similar to the other types of refractive laser eye surgery, LASEK is based on the principle of reshaping the cornea. An excimer laser delivers the treatment. In this technique, light becomes introduced to the eye and concentrates on the retina to enable a person to see clearly without the need of eyeglasses or contact lenses.
The fundamental difference between these three eye treatments lies in how the eyes are prepared for laser treatment.
LASIK Surgery
In LASIK surgery, a circular flap is created on the surface of the eye. A microkeratome is used for this purpose. The stroma becomes accessed by folding back the hinged flap. The corneal tissue becomes reshaped. The flap becomes repositioned. The flap serves as a natural bandage and requires no stitches to adhere. The healing process becomes enhanced.
PRK Surgery
In PRK surgery, the corneal epithelium becomes is removed, which is the thin outer later of the cornea. The corneal stroma is accessed and reshaped with an excimer laser. A new epithelial naturally grows back in a few days.
LASEK
In the LASEK procedure, the epithelial flap becomes pushed to the side by the use of alcohol. Being ultra-thin, this soft covering remains attached to the eye. The corneal stroma now exposed becomes available for reshaping activities. Post laser treatment, the surgeon repositions the epithelial tissue. A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye. This helps the epithelium remain intact and the healing process takes place.
Epi-LASEK
In the epi-LASEK procedure, alcohol is not used to loosen the epithelium while in the LASEK procedure it often has been chosen as the agent used to loosen the epithelium. The surgeon instead uses a blunt plastic piece of equipment to remove the epithelial tissue. This prevents the occurrence of any possible reaction of the epithelial tissue with alcohol. In some cases, alcohol might kill epithelial cells, although this has been rare. It depends on analysis undertaken before an eye treatment to determine the feasible eye surgery type. A qualified eye doctor from a premier clinic such as Sugarland Eye & Laser Center in Houston would have the skills necessary to assess the situation and offer the correct diagnosis.
All these treatment options have high success rates. They typically have similar vision outcomes. There is no concrete proof that one is better than the other. LASIK generally provides immediate results. In LASEK, vision tends to be hazy in the first week. Individual needs and requirements have to be considered over generic treatment methodologies. Differentiated treatment is the sign of a high quality expert particularly in the medical field.
Each individual is different and an eye doctor has to be cognizant of this fact. For best results, visiting a front running eye clinic such as Sugarland Eye & Laser Center is the safest and surest way to ensure excellent vision using the latest technologies from world renowned doctors.
Reference:
www.allaboutvision.com
Sugarland Eye & Laser Center leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478 or visit us at www.houston-lasik.com.
About the Author
Amjad Khokhar, M.D. is Chief LASIK Surgeon at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center. Add Dr. Khokhar on Google+ here.
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