LASEK - Introduction

Many people consider the power of sight to be the most important of their 5 senses - things are arguably most difficult when the ability to see is impaired.

Sight defects can be corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses, but it is not uncommon that these visual aids present a hindrance during sports or in one's daily life. Cosmetically, visual aids are also often felt to be disadvantageous obstacles. With a successful LASEK operation, normal sight to within +/- 0.5 diopters can be achieved. The necessity of wearing visual aids can thus be eliminated for the most part.¹

LASEK is a laser-assisted eye procedure. LASEK (laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy) can be employed for different recommendations, including by the German BVA (Professional Association of Eye Specialists). This association recommends the LASEK method for visual deficiencies of up to -6 diopters. The LASEK method thus falls under the rubric of operative modifications to sight deficiencies. In addition to LASEK, there are also LASIK, Femto LASIK, and PRK (see further articles on the website). Collectively, these belong to the superordinate domain of refractive surgery.
Although the procedure is undertaken routinely, one should discuss this outpatient operation with one's doctor beforehand. On the basis of preliminary examinations, possibly including a corneal topography and a measurement of intraocular pressure, a personal treatment plan will be developed in personal consultation with one's doctor. Further necessary examinations will be discussed later in the article. Prior to the examinations, you should refrain from wearing contact lenses for 14 days. Three to four hours should be set aside for the preliminary examinations; one should also not drive a car because the eyes will be widened by eye drops.

The LASEK method is available when the cornea is particularly thin and is thus less suitable for treatment using other methods. In the operation, the upper layer of tissue on the surface of the cornea, the epithelium, is detached using alcohol and flapped open, but not removed. This offers the possibility of modifying the underlying tissue via laser. Afterward, the epithelium is brought back to its original position and is reattached, thus serving as the body's own ocular bandage. This method typically causes more pain than the LASIK method, but less pain, however, than the PRK method, because the epithelium does not have to fully regrow.

Directly after the operation, one should hold the eyes shut for a few hours in order to improve wound healing. Normally, there is light burning in the eyes when the wounds are healing; sometimes, the production of tear fluids is also increased. With that said, one should not expose oneself to intensive sunlight or extreme winds in the first three to five days after the operation. After four to five days, the patient can take up sports again, but should forego more intensive activities as well as swimming pool visits and trips to the sauna. These activities are once again acceptable after three to four weeks.

It is advisable to consult the doctor who is treating you about the questions and risks surrounding this operation. Good aftercare and check-up examinations help to lessen risks; these will be discussed later. For the LASEK method, improved, long-term sight typically sets in after just a few days, or after four to six weeks at the latest. Normal sight with a variance of +/- 0.5 diopters is thus achieved. Glasses and contact lenses now belong in the past.