LASEK eye surgery

LASEK (laser assisted epithelial keratomileusis) is a type of laser eye surgery, often used as an alternative treatment for those who are not suitable for LASIK eye surgery. This treatment involves the fine surface layer of the cornea being loosened and folded back, instead of a flap being created and removed, as is the case with LASIK treatment. An Excimer laser is then used to reshape the surface of the cornea, thus correcting the eye’s refractive error.

LASIK and SMILE are laser eye treatments preferred by most surgeons and patients because visual recovery is slower with LASEK and bandage lenses need to be worn for up to a week. The eye can also be uncomfortable for a few days after treatment with LASEK. However, not everyone is suitable for LASIK and not all clinics have access to ReLEx SMILE.

When we are assessing someone for laser eye surgery, we need to make sure that they have a stable prescription, a healthy eye and they have a cornea that is the correct shape and strength to withstand the effects of surgery. So, the types of conditions that stop people from having laser eye surgery are divided up into eye conditions where people have either severe dry eye or any other abnormality of the shape of the cornea such as keratoconus. Typically, we also avoid doing laser eye surgery on patients who are on certain systemic medicines, that is tablets or injections which could include a substance that could be deposited in the cornea or which could prevent the healing of the cornea. The last group of reasons that we have for not wanting to do laser eye surgery on patients is systemic conditions, including bodily diseases such as diabetes or conditions where the collagen in the body is abnormal, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome.

We assess the suitability of someone for laser eye surgery in three steps.

The first step is to have a series of very sophisticated scans which examine the health of the eye but in particular focus on the cornea to see whether the cornea is sufficiently thick, is a suitable shape and sufficiently strong to withstand the effects of laser eye surgery.

The second step is then for you to see one of our Optometrists, who is a specialist in prescribing glasses. We will check your glasses prescription, ensure that the glasses you are wearing or the contact lenses you are wearing are at the correct prescription and that there has been no change that could affect the outcome of laser eye surgery.

The third step is for you to see me, the Consultant Ophthalmologist, who ultimately is responsible for your care and for performing the surgery on you. I will discuss with you your scans, ensure that it is safe for you to have laser eye surgery and help you decide which form of laser eye surgery is the correct form for you. In some cases, laser eye surgery will not be suitable for you, and in that case, we have other alternatives, such as lens implant surgery, which I will discuss with you.

LASEK was the first generation of laser eye surgery and remains an excellent treatment for short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism.

The Benefits of LASEK eye surgery are:

• Great alternative to LASIK treatment
• Results are proven and comparable to LASIK
• Less chance of dry eye
• Lower risk of flap complications
• Sporting activities may be resumed sooner than with LASIK, as there is no flap to heal.

However, LASEK has been superseded by ReLEx SMILE in almost all respects. In my practice, I choose to perform ReLEx SMILE over LASEK because ReLEx SMILE has a faster recovery and is pain-free whilst having all of the above advantages of LASEK.

As well as LASEK eye surgery, I also offer other laser eye treatments, including:

• LASIK eye surgery
• SMILE eye surgery (only available at Optegra Eye Hospital London)

As a highly experienced ophthalmic surgeon, I will carry out an in-depth assessment to determine whether you should have LASEK, LASIK or ReLEx SMILE laser eye surgery. I personally carry out the treatment and aftercare. Your plan will be 100 percent tailored to your individual needs ensuring the best possible results.

What happens during LASIK eye surgery:

• Local anaesthetic eye drops are applied to both eyes.
• A mild ethanol solution is applied to the cornea’s protective outer layer. This softens the layer and creates a thin epithelial layer, which the surgeon then moves to one side.
• The Excimer laser is applied to the eye, correcting the refractive error by reshaping the cornea.

The eyes are covered with bandage lenses, which are clear, soft contact lenses. This protects the epithelial cells while they grow back to cover the cornea. The bandage will stay in place for up to a week, depending on how quickly the eye heals.

According to Optegra outcomes data analysing 1926 patients from January 2013 to 30 September 2017:

• 100% achieved driving standard or better without glasses
• 98.2% achieved 20/20 or better without glasses.

According to Optegra patient satisfaction data analysing 452 respondents to post-treatment questionnaires during December 2017:

• 99% said their treatment was successful
• 92% said their treatment was comfortable
• 99% said they were satisfied with the results
• 99% said they would recommend the treatment to family and friends.