Type of Surgery

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Last updated: 11/24/2009

Risks

LASEK does not lead to the flap-related complications that occur with LASIK, but there are a number of complications that can occur with LASEK eye surgery. LASEK is well known to cause eye pain for days after the procedure, pain that exceeds...

that of LASIK. During the LASEK procedure, it may be determined that the thin epithelial flap is not strong enough to support LASEK. In this case, the procedure must be converted to a photorefractive keratectomy. The only drawback to this approach is that there are more complications that arise from PRK than from LASEK.
 
In about one percent of patients having LASEK there may be corneal scarring which leads to hazy vision. Since the epithelial layer is disturbed during LASEK, there is some risk of eye infection. The bandage contact lens is thought to be the reason that there are more eye infections associated with LASEK vs. LASIK. However, the soft bandage lens is unavoidable. Dry eyes are a complication of LASEK and LASIK and should be considered before any laser vision correction. Infrequently the eyes may be over or undercorrected or an irregular astigmatism may occur.


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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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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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