LASEK stands for "Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis", a relatively new procedure to correct a wide range of refractive errors, such as near-sightedness ( M yopia ), far-sightedness ( Hyperopia ) and distorted vision ( Astigmatism ). The Italian surgeon, Massimo Camellin M.D. in 1999, introduced this procedure . To put in simple words, this is nothing but a PRK without scrapping the corneal epithelium and a LASIK without making a flap of the corneal epithelium.

In LASEK, your epithelium will be cut using a finer blade called trephine, instead of microkeratome as done in LASIK and loosened by using an alcohol, ethanol, and moved apart to expose the stroma for treatment by excimer laser. Once the stroma is reshaped, the epithelium is moved back.

This procedure has a clear advantage over PRK where the epithelium of your cornea will be scrapped away. Also this procedure may be a suitable option to be considered over the traditional LASIK, if you have thin or flat cornea. The primary aim of this procedure is to avoid / reduce the post-operative complications related to the flap created during the LASIK surgery.

You will require eye drops for about a month until the irritation disappears and the flap edge heals. You may also require a contact lens normally for about a week or so. Recovery from LASEK is faster than PRK and slower than LASIK, but a very good alternative. You may need up to a week or two to completely recover and get normal vision. Alcohol toxicity is the greatest concern of all and it is both dose and time dependent. The cells may remain safe up to 45 seconds exposure to the alcohol in 20% solution. Up to 5% of patients may require an additional treatment to enhance the visual outcome.

These are the downsides or limitations of this procedure and you should be aware of these before you decide to go ahead with this procedure. The consulting surgeon will be able to provide this information.