Bladeless LASEK
LASEK is a variation of the PRK that Dr. Haddad began using in march of 2000. Also called epi-lasik or advanced surface ablation,
LASEK is generally used for patients who have thinner corneas, or have had previous
refractive vision correction (such as RK) in the past. Additionally LASEK is often recommended for patients whose corneas
are too dry for the CustomVue LASIK procedure.
Treatment
During the LASEK treatment the epithelium, or outer layer of the cornea,
is peeled back after the epithelium is loosened with a diluted solution of alcohol. Next, Dr. Haddad will carefully fold it
back out of the way and treat the cornea. Dr. Haddad will then treat the cornea in a similar fashion as with either conventional LASIK
or Advanced CustomVue LASIK molding the tissue underneath. Finally the epithelium is placed back onto the cornea and a contact lens is applied
over it to keep it in place. This contact lens is usually removed in 3-7 days.
Post Treatment Care
Patients should expect to wear the bandage lens for 3-7 days following the procedure.
In addition there may be some slight eye irritation similar to having some debris in your contact.
The healing time with LASEK is often longer when compared to LASIK. Often patients can take a few weeks to
heel but this does vary from patient to patient.
Why chose LASEK
LASEK is not for everyone, Dr. Haddad only recommends LASEK in
unique situations when he feels the patient is not an excellent
candidate for traditional LASIK. Visually, patient outcomes from LASIK as compared to LASEK are similar after heeling is completed.
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