LASEK is a surface laser eye surgery that loosens rather than fully removes the corneal skin layer, then reshapes the tissue underneath to correct vision.
How LASEK differs from LASIK and PRK
In LASEK, a dilute alcohol solution softens the surface skin which is gently moved aside before the laser treatment. After reshaping, the skin is repositioned and covered with a bandage contact lens.
- Preserves more surface tissue than PRK while avoiding a full thickness flap
- Helpful for thinner or steeper corneas that are less suited to LASIK
- Laser treatment is painless with numbing drops
- May be preferred for people at higher risk of eye trauma
Recovery and everyday activities
Comfort and visual recovery are similar to PRK, with several days of soreness and blurred vision before improvement. Over time, most people achieve stable, clear sight comparable to other laser procedures.
- Plan a few days away from work and driving after treatment
- Sunglasses and pain relief make early light sensitivity easier
- Regular appointments check healing and adjust drops
- Avoid rubbing or squeezing your eyes while the surface repairs
