What is the difference between LASIK, LASEK and PRK?
In all procedures, the excimer laser is used to sculpt the cornea. The differences remain in how the surgeon gains access to the corneal tissue. During LASIK, a corneal flap is created using an instrument called a microkeratome. A laser is then used to sculpt the remaining corneal tissue. During LASEK, the epithelial layer of the cornea is loosened using an alcohol solution to help with removal; after the laser treatment this layer of tissue is replaced to enhance healing; during PRK, the surgeon removes and discards the epithelium (surface skin layer), sculpts the remaining tissue of the cornea and then covers the eye with a contact lens that acts as a bandage until the tissue regenerates. LASIK is the most widely used of the procedures, while LASEK and PRK tend to be reserved for select patients who are less suitable candidates for LASIK.
LASIK, LASEK and PRK are procedures performed on the stromal tissue of the cornea with a laser. Removal of stromal tissue from the cornea does not usually lead to regeneration of stromal tissue. Removal of epithelial tissue does lead to re-growth of epithelium. Therefore, removal of stromal tissue can produce permanent re-shaping of the cornea, thereby changing its focusing power. LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) is a form of outpatient corneal surgery in which a surgeon uses a specialised, precise, and computer-controlled corneal flap-making instrument, called a microkeratome, to create a thin corneal flap of corneal tissue. A surgeon raises the corneal flap and lays it back whilst still attached to the cornea. The surgeon then uses a state-of-the-art excimer laser to remove a pre-determined amount of corneal tissue from the exposed bed of the cornea. We base our calculation of the amount of tissue the laser removes on the pre-operative determination of the power of your eye; thes
