Our Services Laser Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK)

What is LASEK?
LASEK (LAser Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis) provides a common treatment of corneal surface. It is like modified PRK with more advantages. It is usually used for eyes whose corneas are too thin or too flat for LASIK. LASEK is a procedure that involves creating an epithelial flap (instead of a stromal flap in LASIK). The cornea is then reshaped using excimer laser to change the corneal curvature. LASEK has faster visual recovery time and less pain and less potential of corneal haze than PRK does.



Am I a suitable candidate?
In general, suitable candidates:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Are in good general health
• Have no health issues affecting your eyes
• Have no active eye conditions which may affect healing
• Have a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for the last year

To find out if LASEK is suitable for you, you should have a comprehensive eye examination by our ophthalmologist. During the examination, we will give you more specific information and answer any questions you may have. The examination will take about 3 hours because it is a very thorough examination.

How to prepare for LASEK?

• Attend one of the public seminars organized by Guy Hugh Chan Refractive Surgery Centre to obtain basic information about refractive surgeries. Admissions are free. Reservation can be made by contacting 2855 6699 or online at www.hksh-healthcare.com.
• Make an appointment with our Centre for a complete eye examination and evaluation. Book the date of operation if you are suitable for LASEK.
• Based on doctor's recommendation, you may receive a scanning examination with Wavefront technology.
• Wear eyeglasses and stop wearing contact lenses before eye examination and before LASIK:
  
  • Soft lenses for 3 to 7 days
  • Hard or gas permeable lenses for 1 to 2 weeks

The Procedure

• Topical anaesthetic eye drops are instilled.
• Medication will be applied on the cornea to loosen the epithelial layer.
• The layer is folded back/removed and the refractive laser treatment begins.
• After laser treatment, a medicine (Mitomycin C) may be applied to prevent corneal haze.
• Bandage contact lens will be placed over the eye to relieve pain, and an eye shield will be used for protection.

Risk and Complication

• The surgery cannot guarantee absolute accuracy of the target refraction.
• Foggy vision in the morning and decreased cornea clarity (corneal haze) which will usually improve after a few weeks.
• Dry eyes and photophobia. They will usually subside in a few weeks or up to a few months time.
• Indoor and night vision blur. Halo or glare around light source may last for a few months or even permanently.
• Near vision blur. Reading glasses may be required for patients in presbyopic age.
• Increased light sensitivity, variation of vision or double vision.
• Over-correction, under-correction or induced astigmatism is possible, and which may require further surgery or corrective lenses.
• Irregular healing of the cornea may lead to irregular astigmatism and thus, decrease in best corrected vision.
• Corneal infection or inflammation may occur and lead to astigmatism and overcorrection, and these refractive errors may need further surgery or corrective lenses.
• If incidences occur and cause termination of the procedure, you may need to return on a later day to complete the planned procedure.
• Cornea degeneration is very rare but may lead to corneal transplant. If rejection occurs, it may lead to blindness.

After the Procedure

• You may experience pain and tearing in the first few days.
• Refrain from driving or operating machinery. Take caution when using stairs to avoid accidents.
• Close your eyes and rest for all day after going home. Lie on your back while sleeping.
• If a bandage contact lens was placed over your operative eye, do not take it off by yourself.
• Do not rub or press on the eyes.
• If there is discomfort in your eye, you can take the pain-killers provided according to the instructions.
• Do not remove the eye shield until the next day and wipe off excessive tearing outside the eye shield.
• Keep the eye shield on for protection for 1 week when you are sleeping to avoid accidental trauma.

Post-Operative Instructions

• Please take medication or instill eye drops as instructed by your doctor.
• Avoid soap, shampoo or tap water getting into your eyes for 1 week.
• No eye make-up, especially mascara for 2 weeks.
• No facial or swimming for 1 month.
• Use sunglasses when you are outdoors for 1 month to prevent foreign bodies and irritation of ultraviolet light.

Follow Up Examination
You should return to your doctor for follow up on the day after the surgery, then at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months or whenever your doctor deems necessary.