LASIK is the best-known laser eye procedure for the correction of refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. However, in addition to LASIK, several other procedures have been developed by experienced laser eye surgeons. While all of these treatments use laser energy to reshape the cornea, the processes just before and after the application of the laser energy differ.

During LASIK, the surgeon cuts a thin flap in the cornea to access the underlying eye tissues, which are then reshaped using a laser. During LASEK, no corneal flap is created. Instead, the surgeon uses a special alcohol solution to gently loosen and lift a minuscule layer of the outermost cells of the eye (known as epithelial cells) prior to applying laser energy to the cornea. During PRK, another laser eye procedure, none of the eye tissue is lifted. Instead, the laser energy is applied directly to the eye’s surface.

Because of the unique characteristics of LASEK, many eye surgeons believe it is a safer, more effective form of laser eye surgery. Read on to learn about why LASEK is better than LASIK and PRK.

No Corneal Flap

LASEK is better than LASIK because it does not involve cutting a flap in the cornea. As a result, LASEK surgery eliminates any corneal flap-related complications. Flap-related complications are the most common risks of LASIK surgery. They can lead to distorted nighttime vision, such as starbursts and haloes. In addition, in rare cases the flap becomes infected, requiring treatment with antibiotics and special eyedrops.

Suitable for a Wider Range of Patients

Because LASEK does not require a corneal flap, it is available to a larger number of patients. For example, patients with corneas that are too thin for the creation of a flap may be offered LASEK instead of LASIK. In addition, LASEK can be performed on many patients with corneas that are too steep for LASIK.

Very Little Discomfort

Unlike patients who undergo PRK surgery, LASEK patients typically experience very little discomfort after the procedure. LASEK patients usually notice only a slightly scratchy sensation. This condition can be effectively alleviated with the eye drops provided by LASEK surgeons.

Quick Recovery

After LASEK, patients usually achieve their full visual potential within four to seven days. While the recovery from LASIK is actually one or two days shorter, the reduced risk of various complications often makes LASEK a better choice. When compared to PRK, the recovery from LASEK is significantly faster; PRK patients typically must wait for several weeks after their treatment to achieve clear vision.

Combination of the Best Features of LASIK and PRK

Many patients choose LASEK because this procedure combines the benefits of both LASIK and PRK surgery while avoiding many of the drawbacks of these treatments. Like LASIK, LASEK offers a quick and painless recovery. And like PRK, LASEK poses no risk of corneal flap-related complications. However, LASEK surgery is not the answer to all refractive problems. LASEK can help improve only nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. If you suffer from another vision problem or eye disease, you might have to undergo a different type of eye surgery, such as cataract surgery or presbyopia correction surgery.

Lasik is a laser eye surgery that has helped millions of patients improve their vision. Many patients suffering from myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism experience relief from the need for corrective eye wear. A quick procedure with a minimal recovery period, many people are turning to this procedure for the best in vision correction.

This is not suitable for everyone. Among many elements contributing to candidacy are age, overall health and the condition of the eyes. Women who are pregnant or nursing, may need to postpone laser eye surgery in order to avoid unnecessary complications. Learn more about the limitations of this surgery for women who are pregnant.

Lasik Surgery and Refractive Instability

The goal of laser eye surgery is to pinpoint and correct unwavering refractive errors. As a result of natural hormonal changes, women who are pregnant or nursing commonly experience vision fluctuation. In addition to hormonal changes, vision may also be affected by corneal pressure due to fluid retention. Refractive instability during pregnancy and lactation hinders the ability of the surgeon to determine actual vision problems.

Under the environment of fluctuating vision, an inaccurate assessment of your refractive state can result in an inaccurate Lasik procedure. Patients who elect to undergo this operation while pregnant or nursing may experience overcorrection or undercorrection once hormonal balance returns to the body. In addition, the recovery process will involve periodic vision changes as the eye adjusts to the procedure. But it’s impossible to identify whether vision fluctuation occurs as a result of pregnancy and breastfeeding, or laser eye surgery.

Dry Eyes and Pregnancy

Pregnancy can also cause dry eye conditions. In fact, most women find it too uncomfortable to wear contacts during pregnancy. Dry eye conditions can pose additional difficulties during recovery from laser eye surgery. People with dry eyes experience longer, more troublesome recovery periods.

Lasik Surgery and Medications During Pregnancy

Prescribed medications are another concern for potential Lasik patients who are pregnant or nursing. As part of the process, patients are required to take antibiotics and steroid eye drops before and after the laser eye surgery. Many patients also receive mild sedatives as a calming agent during the procedure. As a result of entering the bloodstream, your baby will be exposed to these medications.

There are no hard facts about the risk of medications associated with Lasik for patients who are pregnant or nursing. However, possibility presents an essential precaution. As an elective procedure, the surgery can easily be postponed in order to avoid unnecessary complications for you and your baby.

Pregnancy and Postponing Lasik Surgery

Patients who are pregnant, nursing or trying to conceive should postpone vision correction until vision has stabilized. If you are pregnant, it is best to wait at least two months after you have stopped breastfeeding. Women electing not to breastfeed should postpone Lasik for a few months after giving birth, allowing enough time for hormonal balance to return. Patients should also wait six months to conceive following laser eye surgery.