LASEK
Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK) is a modified form of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis, or LASEK, is a variation of LASIK, and corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The epithelium, or outer surface of the cornea, is loosened with alcohol, not with the microkeratome used in LASIK. It is then peeled back to expose the cornea. The same excimer laser used in LASIK is applied to the cornea, but only to the surface. The epithelium is placed back into position, and a bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to promote healing. Like LASIK, the recovery time is rapid. Discomfort is somewhat increased, compared with LASIK.
LASEK is similar to PRK. The difference is that with LASEK, the epithelium is replaced after surgery. In PRK, the epithelium is discarded.
Both PRK and LASEK are similar to LASIK in that they use the excimer laser to shape the cornea except that the surgeon cuts a flap in the epithelium only, instead of through the epithelium and part of the stroma. He or she then loosens the edges of the flap with alcohol. LASEK is used mostly for people with thin or flat corneas who are poor candidates for LASIK, which requires more corneal tissue for success.
It is a relatively new procedure; drawbacks include more discomfort afterward and a slightly longer healing time than for LASIK. Visual recovery after LASEK is generally faster than in PRK but slower than in LASIK.
Currently, the use of the excimer laser for LASEK is not FDA-approved. This means that surgeons are not supposed to advertise this procedure unless they are enrolling subjects for a clinical trial. Although the number of LASEK procedures is small compared to LASIK, early results show this procedure is promising. Nevertheless, additional studies will be necessary before LASEK is widely accepted as a viable procedure among corneal surgeons.
While the FDA regulates excimer lasers, the agency doesn't have the authority to regulate a doctor's practice of medicine or the off-label use of medical products. Therefore, the FDA does not tell doctors what to do when running their businesses or what they can or cannot tell their patients. Consequently, people considering laser surgery should ask questions and fully understand any procedure they might be considering.
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