LASEK vs LASIK vs PRK
Gone are the days when people have to wear eyeglasses to correct their vision. Today, there are plenty of options for correcting eye problems – using contact lenses or undergoing corrective procedures such as LASEK and LASIK.
How is LASEK different from LASIK? They differ in the following:
- LASEK
o Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis
o In LASEK, a flap about 50 microns thick is created. Only the epithelial tissue is included.
o The procedure uses a finer blade called trephine.
- LASIK
o Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis
o In LASIK, a flap about 100 to 180 microns thick is created.
o The procedure uses a larger blade called microkeratome.
- PRK
o Photorefractive Keratectomy
o In PRK, a flap is created from the epithelium. This flap is then discarded to allow the epithelial cells to regenerate.
o Does not use a knife, cutting laser, or microtome.
LASEK LASIK Difference, Comparison
- Knowing the difference between LASEK and LASIK treatments will allow the patients to have an informed choice as to what treatment they will choose.
- However, there are cases when LASEK could not be used – especially when the patient has a very thin cornea.In those times, LASEK is preferred.
There are similarities that the two procedures share. Both:
- Are laser procedures.
- Are outpatient procedures.
- Offer treatment to those who have astigmatism, presbyopia, farsightedness, and nearsightedness.
- Create a flap on the epithelium.
- Use an alcohol solution to lift the epithelium.
- Use an excimer laser to ablate the corneal tissue after the flap is created.
Is LASEK Better than LASIK?
- The answer to this actually depends on a lot of factors. Some people could not have LASEK but are good candidates for LASEK – and vice versa.