What is the difference between LASEK and LASIK?

What is the difference between LASEK and LASIK?

Refractive errors are generally referred to as ocular problems, including farsightedness (hyperopia), nearsightedness and astigmatism. In recent years, Excimer laser with a wavelength of 193 nm which has a low penetration rate has been used to correct refractive errors. This radiation does not enter the eye and only affects the cornea. This laser is used to perform resection and peeling of the surface of the cornea which is referred to as LASEK or LASIK.

What is the difference between LASEK and LASIK?
In LASEK, the thin layer of the cornea is scratched at a thickness of 50 microns. After surgery, the patient may have symptoms such as burning eyes, tear, and pain, which is normal.

However, in LASIK, a thicker layer of the cornea about 110 microns is removed, which is why it is painful for the patient during surgery. But after the operation, the patient will have no side effects.

In the central clinic of the city LASIK is practiced since the year of 2004.
The laser used at this clinic is “flying spot” and has an active "eye-tracking" system, which means that, given the high speed of laser, it compensates for even the fastest movements of the eye with less than 0.006 seconds.

In addition, the frequency of each laser pulse is 500 Hz, the high speed of this device prevents the drying of the cornea and maintains the integrity of the corneal moisture.
On the other hand, this machine is equipped with a supplementary Topolyzer for proper examination of the cornea, which is the information obtained by this device for each patient specifically sent to an Excimer laser device and based on which, a special laser suitable for each patient is applied to get the best quality of vision.
This can be done for people between 18 to 50 years of age if the eye score remains constant for two years.

Before surgery, a series of tests, including corneal topography (determination of curvature and corneal thickness) and eye score (refraction), should be performed. Also, patients who use contact lenses, should not use hard lenses for three weeks and soft lenses for one week before testing.

Who should not get LASIK?

• If the thickness of the cornea is lower than normal
• Corneal curvature is higher than normal
• The cornea topography is indicating cornea keratoconus.
• Variable eye score
• Age over 50 years old.
• No eye diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal and corneal diseases

The health of the eyelids

What is the process of LASEK procedure?
In general, this process takes about 5 minutes for each eye, which includes;
 

1. Anesthesia of the eye with eye drop
2. Sterilizing of the environment around the eyes with iodine
3. Opening the eyes with special equipment
4. Removing the surface layer of the cornea with a thickness of 50 microns
5. Laser radiation for 15 to 20 seconds (this stage is completely painless.)
6. Rinsing the eyes with a serum
7. Inserting lens bandage
8. Using antibiotic and anti-inflammation drops after the operation

Immediately after the surgery, the patient's vision gets better, and plastering of the eyes is not required, but due to the sensitivity of the eyes to the light, one needs to wear sunglasses inside and outside for a week.

The patient will be examined by the doctor the day after the surgery and the time for the next examinations will be determined by the doctor.

Preoperative care

• Bathing
• Not using any cosmetics on the face

Postoperative care

• Using sunglasses usually up to a week
• Using antibiotics, analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications

Avoid driving, smoking, bathing, swimming pool, and face washing until the bandage lens is removed.