LASEK

LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis) is a relatively new type of corrective laser eye surgery. It employs an alcohol solution to loosen the very outer layer (epithelium) of the cornea. Once the laser correction has been performed, this epithelial flap is replaced as a sort of natural bandage. LASEK is a good alternative for those patients who are not candidates for LASIK surgery due to thin corneas.

Reasons to consider LASEK:

Wish to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contacts for those with myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.
The epithelial layer is kept, reducing healing time and pain compared to PRK.
An alternative for patients with thin corneas who are not candidates for LASIK.
Reduces the chances of post-operative corneal haze, compared to PRK.
Patients experience dry-eye less often after LASEK than compared to LASIK.

The Procedure

For the LASEK procedure, first the doctor creates an epithelial flap. Alcohol is used for about 30 seconds to loosen the epithelial cells. Then the epithelium is lifted, with the help of a trephine blade, and folded aside, to allow access to the inner layers of the cornea. At this point, the excimer laser ablates (burns off) the carefully mapped tissue, just as in LASIK and PRK. After the laser correction is complete, the doctor replaces the epithelial flap, and applies a bandage contact lens to aid in healing.

The Recovery

The epithelial layer fully heals in about a day, though usually the patient must wear the bandage contact lens for about four days. Patients may experience mild discomfort, irritation or pain for the first couple of days after the procedure. The doctor will schedule several check-up appointments to monitor the healing process, followed by periodic visits over the next several months. During the recovery process, the patient should rest and refrain from any strenuous activities for at least a week. Most patients can return to work in a few days, though it is best to take off whatever time needed to ensure a smooth recovery.

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Testimonials

"In the fall of 2006, my optometrist informed me that it was time for my cataracts to be removed, and she recommended Dr. Yee. An appointment was set up, and Dr. Yee reaffirmed the diagnosis. She explained that I was a candidate for a new lens that was available where a patient had a greater chance of not needing to wear glasses after surgery. I could even decide whether I would like to have most of my improvement in my near or far vision. The length of the surgery and the recuperation would be the same as having the normal cataract surgery. I had been wearing glasses from morning to night for years and the possibility of not needing to wear glasses was intriguing. I pondered the extra cost of the ReSTOR® lenses and decided in favor of the newer replacements. In November the cataract in my right eye was removed; a ReSTOR® lens was implanted. I was awake during the procedure, which only took about fifteen minutes. Immediately everything seemed brighter and that evening I was reading the newspaper without glasses. Improvement in both my near and far vision had been achieved. A similar procedure was performed on my left eye in December. As a teenager I was diagnosed with Ambliopia (Lazy Eye) in my left eye. The successful improvement in that eye far surpassed what Dr. Yee and I had hoped.

Shopping at Christmas without glasses was much more pleasant without focusing my trifocals to read sizes and price tags. I don't miss glasses, which fogged up or slipped in the heat. At first it was odd seeing myself in the mirror without glasses, but I have learned to appreciate a younger person looking back at me."

-Marion Young October 16, 2007

"In the summer of 2007, I noticed my eye sight deteriorating when I would read. My Optometrist had told me several years ago that I had the start of cataracts in the corners of my eyes. In the fall of 2007, a family member recommended Dr. Yee.

Dr. Yee examined my eyes and told me I had cataracts that were ready to be removed. She explained that there were two different types of lenses available for my eyes. After much consideration and Dr. Yee's recommendation, I decided on the ReSTOR® lenses. I really wanted to have the benefit of not wearing glasses and I was willing to take the chance and pay the extra costs.

The surgery took approximately 20 minutes and was painless. I was awake during the whole procedure and was very comfortable and relaxed due to Dr. Yee and her staff making me feel at ease. My husband was very surprised to see me after surgery, because my eye looked like it had nothing done to it. My eye was not blood shot and I felt great!

I would like to thank Dr. Yee for recommending the ReSTOR® lenses, I now have 20/20 vision in both eyes and do not need to wear glasses."

-Patricia Naftzger