Refractive Surgery: LASEK

LASEK (pronounced "Lay-SEEK") stands for laser epithelial keratomileusis. It's a technique for reshaping corneal tissue to help you see better without glasses or corrective lenses. The epithelium (top layer of cornea) is softened with an alcohol solution to create a flap in the cornea. An excimer laser is then used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The excimer laser produces a concentrated beam of cool ultraviolet (UV) light. LASEK can treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

What to Expect During the Procedure

• Before treatment, you may be given medication to help you relax.

• Eyedrops numb your eyes. A device is used to keep your eyes open.

• An instrument with alcohol solution in it is briefly placed on the cornea. The surgeon then rolls back the softened epithelium to expose the inner cornea tissue.

• Your surgeon uses a computer-guided excimer laser to reshape the cornea. Laser treatment lasts for 10-90 seconds.

• The epithelium is folded back over the cornea. You will wear a contact lens as a bandage for a few days. This protects the cornea as it heals.

• For a few days after the procedure, your vision may seem worse. It should begin to improve in about 5 days, and become stable in about 6 months.