PRK, LASEK, and Epi-LASIK

PRK, LASEK, and epi-LASIK are all Laser Vision Correction procedures that involve temporarily removing the topmost layer of the eye, called the epithelium.

2012-05-23

CHICAGO, IL, May 23, 2012 (Press-News.org) PRK, LASEK, and epi-LASIK are all Laser Vision Correction procedures that involve temporarily removing the topmost layer of the eye, called the epithelium. This sheet of cells rests over your cornea and must be removed in order to reshape the cornea using laser energy. Once the laser surgical procedure is complete, the epithelial sheet is usually placed back over the surface of the eye, and a soft "bandage" contact lens is inserted into the eye to help the flap heal.

While these three procedures share basic similarities, they differ in a few key ways that are summarized below.

LASEK (Laser Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis)
Unlike LASIK eye surgery, LASEK is designed to correct refractive errors without the use of a corneal flap. If a patient's cornea is too thin for LASIK, this can be an advantage. Instead of using a microkeratome, a diluted alcohol is used to loosen the epithelial layer, helping it separate from the stroma - the thicker middle layer of the cornea that is responsible for most of your focusing power.

Once loosened, the epithelium is moved away from the treatment zone to make room for the Excimer laser treatment. Once Laser Vision Correction is complete, the epithelial sheet is then returned to its original position and allowed to heal. Unfortunately, several studies have confirmed that patients who receive LASEK take longer to heal, and sustain somewhat more pain after surgery compared to LASIK.

Epi-LASIK
Epi-LASIK is similar to LASEK since it combines Laser Vision Correction with removal of the epithelial layer. However, the specific technique differs since the separation is performed using a special device similar to a microkeratome, which is designed to create a very thin corneal flap. After the Excimer laser has been applied to reshape the cornea, the epithelial layer is returned to its original position, just as in the LASEK procedure.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery since it can offer the same quality of results for patients who have especially thin corneas and are thus not eligible for LASIK. PRK is similar to LASEK and epi-LASIK, but differs in one key way: once removed, the epithelium layer is never replaced. Instead, special eye drops and a "bandage" contact lens are used to facilitate regeneration and healing of the epithelium layer.

Because of this, PRK does have a longer recovery time than LASIK, but recovery is often less painful and shorter than the healing process associated with the LASEK and epi-LASIK techniques. Most people are able to return to their normal activities within three to four days. Recent innovations have significantly reduced the amount of pain involved in PRK. Thanks to pain blockers, non-steroidal drops, and comfort eye drops, most PRK patients only experience minor irritation.

If you would like more information about PRK, LASEK, and Epi-LASIK, please visit the website of the experienced Chicago eye surgeon Dr. Mark Golden at Doctors For Visual Freedom.

Website: http://www.doctorsforvisualfreedom.com

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