hat is LASEK (Laser Epthilial Keratomileusis)?

This method is especially useful if the cornea is too thin or when LASIK-treatment is not eligible because of other cornea errors.

In LASEK, the epithelium, or outer layer of the cornea, is cut not with the microkeratome cutting tool used in LASIK, but with a finer blade called a trephine. Then the surgeon covers the eye with an alcohol solution (perhaps one part alcohol and four parts sterile water) for around 30 seconds. The solution loosens the edges of the epithelium. After sponging the alcohol solution from the eye, the surgeon uses a tiny hoe to lift the edge of the epithelial flap and gently fold it back out of the way. (D).Then he or she uses an excimer laser, as in LASIK or PRK, to sculpt the corneal tissue underneath (E). Afterward, the epithelial flap is placed back on the eye with a kind of spatula (F). You may feel eye irritation during the first day or two afterward. Also, the time it takes to recover good vision is often longer - up to four to seven days. Of course, it varies from one person to the next.