Every individual has a different eye care need. A prolonged refractive error can be a matter of concern for many and they look forward to proceeding with a stable vision-changing option.
There are three generally accepted methods, LASIK, LASEK, and PRK, for patients to correct their refractive errors via laser surgery. However, they ran into confusion about choosing between LASIK and LASEK eye surgery to restore their vision capabilities.
We will mention which laser vision correction, LASIK or LASEK, suits you. Help you assess the correct treatment plan.
The epithelium is loosened with an alcohol solution here before the ultimate Lasik surgery. LASEK has a longer recovery period because the procedure is big and needs epithelium to heal. The corneal flap needs to seal itself in LASIK. There is a minute difference, but here it is: this tiny thing can have one more disadvantage than compared.
LASIK is a rapid procedure, often allowing for next-day recovery. In contrast, LASEK employs two lasers after numbing the eye with anesthetic liquid.
An excimer (interlace) laser creates a protective flap on the cornea's surface, followed by a cool beam laser (femtosecond laser) to reshape the cornea according to the desired eye prescription.
Similar names, similar confusion: LASIK and LASEK serve the eye correction needs of their clients with similar laser precision. Reshaping the dome-shaped, clear tissue primarily at the front of the eyes is a key challenge here.
The epithelium layer is naturally replaced within 7 to 14 days by the eyes. In LASEK, eye surgeons remove that outer epithelial layer, reshape the cornea, and wait for at least 14 days to heal it naturally, with no flap-related complications in PRK.
We shape a permanent layer underneath the epithelial layer, then apply contact bandage, and wait until the eyes repopulate the layer above the contact in PRK, says the expert, Mr Carp from London Vision Clinic in 2011.
But in LASEK, we don’t remove the epithelial layer, we just push it aside, then reshape the permanent layer underneath, and redrape over the outermost layer. The contact lens is once again applied to the surface for vision correction.
LASEK is a safe type of refractive eye surgery. It corrects various refractive vision issues with efficient laser procedures. LASEK has features of both LASIK and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). Its procedure is completed in 4 stages before the complete vision output,
The above image justifies the majority of the benefits of LASEK, from no corneal flap complications to a lower risk of dry eye. The results are long-lasting, with improved appearance and confidence in an individual with thin corneas.
LASIK on the other hand is quick and cost-saving, which gives freedom from glasses and contacts. It is convenient and rather a quick procedure.
LASEK is more of a cautious friend, which feels easier and lighter on your eyes.
Unlike LASIK, LASEK has no issues with flap dislocation. The technology uses two different lasers to mitigate the need to create a flap in the cornea and is also a suitable option for those with dry eye symptoms.
Compared to LASIK, LASEK is a preferable option for most patients, despite a longer recovery time. It takes one to two weeks for the epithelial layer to recover naturally. Though LASIK is quick, patients trust LASIK, even if there is little discomfort, as it is more risk-free than LASIK and PRK.
3. Need for Bandage Contact Lens in LASEK
When choosing LASEK surgery, Patients must wear a protective contact lens for around 2 weeks. This post-surgery bandage is not required after LASIK.
Where PRK uses the complete removal of the epithelium and suggests regeneration, LASEK aims to provide balance, with LASIK too. LASEK is also a corneal reshaping surgery primarily focused on correcting patients’s refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
LASEK eliminates the risks associated with flap complications, which makes it a safer option. The patients usually have a longer healing time and a slight risk of postoperative haze; besides that, transient vision is stored without issues of visual aberrations.
LASIK has been reported to range from 0.7% to 6.6%. Similar to LASIK, the chances of subconjunctival hemorrhage can also occur in LASEK. Excessive trauma can be seen during the procedure.
LASEK has a similar cost range for LASIK surgery in Nepal. Though the use of technology may vary, the facility and services are comprehensive at a price of around NPR 80,000 to NPR 120,000.
In Biratnagar Eye Hospital, the LASEK surgery starts at NPR 63,000 for both eyes in Nepal. The rates may vary based on private and public eye clinics, techniques, and the availability of the closed-eye procedure dates.
| Basis | LASIK eye surgery | LASEK eye surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | It stands for Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis. | It stands for Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy. |
| Procedure | a femtosecond laser creates a thin flap in the cornea. | diluted alcohol solution is used to loosen the epithelium before surgery. |
| Recovery | LASIK is a quick-recovery eye surgery. | LASEK has a longer recovery period. |
| Suitability | Suitable for thicker corneas and stable vision. | Suitable for patients with thin corneas. |
| Pain and discomfort | It leads to minimal discomfort post-procedure. | There is more pain during the recovery of the corneal surface. |
| Risks and complications | There is a small risk of flap-related complications. | There is a slightly higher risk of transient corneal haze |
LASEK is a significant evolution in laser eye surgery, with the characteristics of LASIK and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). The key feature of LASEK is the procedure of separating the corneal epithelium (the cornea's thin outer layer) as an alternative to creating a flap, which is suitable for almost all.
The reshaping of corneal tissues using an excimer laser is also possible when the epithelium is pushed aside. LASEK came up with this logic, but this requires more healing and protection for the area to be treated. The recovery time for Lasik is quite fast, and the vision correction, on the other hand, is slightly on the risky side.
What is the difference between Lasik and Lasek when the result is usually the same—argues ideal candidates? But who are they??
The cornea, when exposed to laser radiation, reacts in various ways. As this isn't always risk-free, eye surgeons carefully evaluate potential candidates for LASEK and LASIK by optimizing laser reactions on the eye's surface.
LASIK and LASEK are two common laser procedures performed on the front of the eye. LASIK involves creating a thin flap on the cornea, while LASEK avoids thermal damage by setting back the epithelial tissue instead.
Similar to LASIK, LASEK also has a lower incidence of dry eyes. The threshold is a crucial factor in determining the most suitable approach to vision correction.
LASIK carries a risk of damage to corneal keratocytes and stromal collagen fibrils, necessitating extra caution. Nepal's eye care system adheres to the ICNIRP 2013 Guidelines for all laser procedures and ensures an adequate supply of protective eyewear.
Determining the ideal candidate for LASEK or LASIK requires a thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist.
LASEK is often recommended for individuals with:
LASIK is generally suitable for most patients with good overall eye health and sufficient corneal thickness. LASEK drawbacks include 3-5 days longer healing time. There could be possible corneal structure compromise.
Questions about LASIK and LASEK are common. One's lifestyle can have a wide impact, which can be the ultimate choice for surgery.
An ideal candidate must be at least 18 years old and have stable vision for at least a year before considering surgery.
Undergoing Lasik is good, but LASEK tends to be more suitable for those with active lifestyles, dry eyes, thin corneas, and occupational restrictions. Lasek can also potentially mitigate vision-related abbreviations and eye health.
There is no harm in the last drops of tears when you cry just a few hours after the LASIK or LASEK eye procedure. It keeps your eyes moist and won't irritate as such.
All-laser LASIK is more expensive than the traditional laser. It is bladeless LASIK, with the use of two excimer lasers, more advanced than traditional LASIK. All-laser LASIK has more precision when creating the corneal flap, with the use of a femtosecond laser.
The ultimate goal of both LASIK and LASIK is a better visual outcome, a wider range of candidacy, and less chance of postoperative discomfort.
Choosing between LASIK and LASEK can be a significant decision. At Vision Concern Clinic, we arrange for an experienced eye care professional to help you analyze the impacts of both procedures.
LASIK and LASEK have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Hence, we help you recommend the best-suited treatment plan. Limited Appointments Available—Book Now!
Yes, we provide emergency eye care for conditions like eye injuries, sudden vision loss, and infections. If you experience any urgent eye problems, please contact us immediately, and our team will assist you in getting the care you need.
Signs to watch for include blurry vision, floaters, sudden loss of vision, eye pain, redness, or sensitivity to light. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam at Vision Concern Eye Clinic as soon as possible for early diagnosis and treatment.
If you’re experiencing blurred vision, headaches, or eye strain, it may be a sign that you need glasses or contact lenses. Our eye exams will help determine whether you need corrective lenses. We’ll also discuss your options based on your lifestyle and preferences, including glasses, contacts, or even refractive surgery like LASIK.
