Type of Surgery
Information

Last updated: 11/24/2009
LASEK or laser assisted subepithelial keratectomy (keratomileusis) is a surgery that corrects refractive errors of the eye, namely farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism. In general, LASEK eye surgery is reserved for patients that cannot otherwise...
receive LASIK surgery (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis). As opposed to LASIK, LASEK can be performed on patients with thin corneas or in whom the risk of LASIK-related injury is too great. LASEK is considered a surface ablative procedure, a procedure that can be thought of as a combination of LASIK and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy).
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This video shows how vision is dependent on light entering the front of the eye and focusing on the retina at the back of the eye. When this focus cannot be accomplished by the eye muscles or lens of the eye, it results in nearsightedness or farsightedness. Sometimes changes in the cornea can correct these errors of refraction.
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Surgeons aim for results of 20/20 or better so that you can perform most daily activities without your glasses. However, there is a possibility that after surgery, you may need to wear reading glasses or corrective lenses for at least some activities.
-Eye Surgery Education Council
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