Lasek eye surgery

Lasek eye surgery, often referred to as epi-lasek is a procedure which involves removing the top layer of your cornea (epithelium) and then gently lasering the deeper corneal layers underneath to eliminate any prescription you may have. Lasek eye surgery can be used to treat people who are longsighted , short sighted or who have astigmatism.

The main difference with Lasik is that there is no flap created in Lasek eye surgery. Instead the epithelium (outer corneal layer) is loosened/softened with alcohol and then gently moved to the side. This enables the surgeon access to the inner layers of your cornea that are to be lasered during the Lasek eye surgery. This lasering reshapes your cornea which results in the light entering your eye being focused precisely onto the retina. Light focused perfectly onto you retina ensures you will have perfect eyesight.

Lasek eye surgery is a lot less common procedure than Lasik and is often used on people with thin corneas (e.g.  too thin to have Lasik) or for those who are involved in contact sports. Find out more on the lasek recovery and the lasek procedure in our additional helpful guides.

Prescription parameters: Lasek eye surgery:

• Short sightedness: -0.75 to -9.00DS.
• Long sightedness: +0.75DS to +4.00DS.
• Astigmatism: Standard treatment: Up to +/- 3.00Dcyl. Wave front: up to +/- 6.00Dcyl.

This is only a rough guide to Lasek eye surgery parameters as they vary widely from company to company, surgeon to surgeon and depends on the individual being treated.

If there is still anything you are uncertain of why not ask a question in our laser eye surgery forum.