LASIK: Q&A

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Lasek Vs. Lasik: Pros and Cons

My research of laser eye surgery has found that most doctors appear to strongly prefer Lasek over Lasik becs with LASEK you don't have to relift the flap, laser the flap. Also I saw that LASEK won't induce astigmatism or striae, wrinkles, scarring. My question is, what are the benefits of LASIK over LASEK, since I can't find this information?! What are the Pros and Cons?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

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LASIK vs. LASEK. How about PRK vs. LASIK?

Some of my colleagues who perform the LASEK procedure do so b/c of the slight reduction in complications seen (since there is no corneal flap created in this procedure). The downside to LASEK is not only that the healing time takes longer but that the healing process may be more uncomfortable than LASIK. In fact, some surgeons have noted that LASEK is more uncomfortable and has a longer healing time than PRK. For that reason, I perform LASIK and PRK, not LASEK at my practice. If... more

Thomas E. Clinch, MD

Washington DC Ophthalmologist

www.edow.com

Lasek Vs. Lasik: Pros and Cons

Hi, Both LASEK and LASIK have their pros and cons. LASIK is a safe surgery if done after the patient has been evaluated and ascertained that he is a right candidate as regards his corneal thickness, surface etc. Other than mild irritation, patients usually do not complain of any prolonged pain or redness. LASEK on the other hand is a surface procedure where one's eyes may remain painful and irritable for upto a week. Also the chances of regression are higher with LASEK especially for numbers... more

LASIK is still preferred over LASEK

Take a look at the ASCRS (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery). LASIK is still preferred over LASEK. Each procedure has pros and cons depending on the patient’s eyes. Be careful of non-“peer” web sites that are more advertising than data based. Most importantly see a respectable and ethical surgeon. It’s hard to be non-biased if the surgeon is not trained to perform all types of procedures. see video

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LASEK is essentially PRK

There are only two ways to laser the cornea to restore vison, either it is done on the surface with removing the epithelial cover (PRK) or that layer is preserved and covers the eye after the treatment (LASEK) but in fact the layer does not survive and essentially LASEK is PRK. So to answer your question compare PRK to LASIK. There are potential issues with LASIK and the flap, but modern all laser methods have reduced these risks. PRK requires a longer, more painful... more

LASEK versus LASIK

These terms can become alphabet soup and really confusing if you are not careful. LASEK is, essentially, PRK(Photorefractive Keratectomy), which is a laser treatment to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASEK(or PRK) is applied directly to the outermost layer of the cornea and, as a result, adds a few days to the healing time. LASIK(Laser Assisted Keratomilieusis) is a procedure in which the surgeon creates a corneal flap(preferably with a laser), lifts the flap,... more

Anthony J. Kameen, MD

Baltimore Ophthalmologist

www.kameen.com

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