LASEK which is any acronym of Laser Epithelia Keratomileusis) is a different variation of PRK. In this method, laser energy will be directly applied to the outer surface of the eye in order to reshape the cornea and correct the vision. In traditional LASIK, the surgeon will cut a thin flap into the eye surface and then lift it. After that laser energy will be applied to reshape the eye, and then the flap will be replaced for serving as a natural bandage in order to facilitate easy healing. But in PRK, instead of cutting a think flap, laser will be directly applied to the surface of the eyes.  Epithelium, which is outer layer of our eye, will be removed in PRK, which will grow back eventually.

In LASEK, an ultra thin layer of epithelia will be retained by lifting the epithelium for the surface of the eye before reshaping the eye using laser. After LASEK is complete, the epithelium will be placed on the surface of the eyes. They use a special tool for cutting called trephine for creating the thin flap in LASEK, whereas in LASIK a thick flap will be created since it is done manually using hand-held blade. LASEK was actually developed in order to reduce the complications which will be created when performing LASIK surgery.

According to famous survey conducted by ASCRS, LASEK procedure is getting more popularity with refractive eye surgeons. Patients undergoing LASEK surgery will have to bear slower healing which will be uncomfortable for them. So, many surgeons carry out PRK method rather than LASEK. When performing LASEK, surgeons will be using a mild local anesthetic. After that they will cut the epithelium, which is outer layer of cornea using trephine, which is very fine laser. After that, eye is covered using dilute alcohol, for around 30 seconds to loosen the epithelium’s edges. Then, surgeon will use a small hoe for lifting the edge of the flap and then fold it back. After that, they will use an excimer laser for sculpting corneal tissues. Then the flap will be placed using a spatula at the back of the eye.