Type of Surgery

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Last updated: 11/24/2009

Definition

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.

Related Videos

Physiology of the Cornea

Most laser vision correction procedures like LASIK involve shaping the cornea so that light can be properly focused on the back of the eye, or retina. This video shows how the anatomy of the eye works to harness light so that we can see. The role of the cornea in vision is also discussed.

How LASIK eye surgery is carried out

Crisp images from our world require that light is focused on the back of the eye. When light cannot focus properly, it is called an error of refraction and is often caused by an irregular or improperly shaped cornea. LASIK improved errors of refraction in the eye by reshaping the cornea, as the animation explains.

The Eye and sight process

Any object that we see is a collection of light energy focused on the retina. The lens of the eye helps us see near and far things equally well. This animation describes how the lens of the eye changes to accommodate and focus light.

Lasik & Cataract

This narrated animation describes the function of the major structures of the eye, namely the pupil, iris, lens, cornea, and retina.

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Other Information

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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