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The LASEK method of vision correction allows you to overcome myopia, astigmatism, as well as low and medium hyperopia. Due to the wide range of other methods of superficial and deep vision correction, it is currently used quite rarely. Usually, the recommendation for LASEK surgery is contraindication to the LASIK technique or correction of minor vision defects.

What is the LASEK method?

LASEK treatment (laser subepithelial keratomileusis) is a variation of one of the first techniques of laser vision correction, i.e. PRK. During the operation, the deep structures of the eye are not interfered with. In the first stage of the procedure, an alcohol solution is used to remove the corneal epithelium, and after the procedure, it is possible to put the corneal flap back in place. The second stage is the right one correction of the defect with an excimer laser. LASEK laser surgery allows you to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism in a different range of defects.

Do you want to undergo this treatment, but you do not know which facility to choose? Compare the offers of centers in the clinics.pl database.

Main indications for vision surgery using the LASEK method are thin corneas, the desire to avoid flake complications or the development of dry eye syndrome. Doctors qualify patients for this procedure less frequently than before, because newer methods are available, including EBK and various variants of the LASIK technique.

Find out more about other popular methods of laser vision correction:

  1. EBK – description of the procedure and recommendations
  2. LASIK method – qualification, course and side effects
  3. metoda ReLEx Smile

Preparation for the LASEK treatment

Before the laser vision correction surgery using the LASEK method, it is necessary to talk to the doctor. The patient is verified in terms of contraindications to the laser vision correction surgery and qualifying tests are carried out. It should be remembered that the vision correction surgery will not be planned overnight. You will have to wait with the preliminary tests if you wear lenses – you will have to remove them and not wear them for about 2 weeks for soft lenses or even 4 weeks for hard lenses.

Before determining the appropriate method of vision correction, your doctor will order the following tests:

  1. tonometry, i.e. tests of intraocular pressure;
  2. biometrics determining the length of the eyeball;
  3. corneal thickness tests;
  4. computerized eye examination;
  5. corneal topography.

If a disease of the cornea, a deep eye socket, too large diameter of the pupils or a very thin cornea are detected, the doctor may say that they prevent the LASEK procedure from being performed. Ophthalmic contraindications significantly increase the risk of complications from corneal surgery.

The course of vision correction using the LASEK method

A patient prepared for laser vision correction using the LASEK technique can expect the procedure to take less than an hour. The most time is needed to prepare the operation, and the procedure itself takes several minutes on average. At the beginning, local anesthesia is performed with the use of drops placed into the eye. When the preparation starts to work, you can immobilize the eyelids with a stay to prevent blinking.

During vision correction with the LASEK procedure, the corneal epithelium is separated with an alcohol solution – it is a chemical method, similar to the correction of vision defects using the PRK method. After the corneal flap has been removed, the shape of the cornea is modified with an excimer laser beam, which takes from several to several dozen seconds, depending on the size of the defect.

When the shape of the cornea is corrected, the corneal flap is put back in place and a protective lens dressing is applied. After the procedure, follow your surgeon’s instructions and take prescribed medications, including eye drops. The cost of the LASEK procedure is on average PLN 1300-3300 for one eye.

The effect of LASEK correction surgery and recommendations

Pain after laser surgery may last for several days. After this time, the corneal epithelium will gradually regenerate, and the doctor will remove the dressing at the follow-up visit.

The effect of vision correction using the LASEK method it is usually visible after three or four weeks, when vision clearly improves as a result of convalescence. It usually takes up to a year to stabilize your eyesight, and during this time you should be aware of temporary symptoms, including dry eye or the halo effect visible at night. If there are no complications, the result of the laser treatment is permanent and there is no need to make a correction.

Also read: Myths about laser vision correction

The most important thing recommendations after laser vision surgery is to protect the eyes against mechanical factors, pressure, dust, cosmetics for makeup and water (especially from swimming pools and other water reservoirs). Also, do not overstrain your eyes or engage in strenuous physical activity. The use of sunglasses is recommended on sunny days. The recovery process should be monitored during regular visits to the doctor.

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