LASEK is a relatively new surgery that utilizes a
trephine to create an epithelial flap (as opposed to a deeper stromal flap
with LASIK) and an alcohol solution to preserve the epithelial cells. Once
the epithelial flap is created and lifted, the treatment proceeds as for
traditional PRK, with light smoothing at its conclusion. Then, the
epithelial flap is repositioned with a small spatula. LASEK preserves
approximately 160 microns more corneal tissue, on average, than a typical
LASIK procedure.
Refractive eye surgeries continue to advance, and more
options are becoming available to patients with vision problems that have
kept them from corrective surgery in the past. Combining some of the
advantages of two other refractive surgeries, PRK and LASIK, LASEK can be
used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASEK is
able to correct vision in patients with corneas that are too flat or too
steep for LASIK, and can offer less post-operative pain and a shorter
recovery time than PRK.
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As with all refractive surgeries, contact use must be
discontinued several weeks prior to surgery. This allows your cornea to
return to its original shape. Before beginning surgery a local anesthetic
will be administered. In LASEK, the epithelium, or outer layer of the
cornea, is cut not with the microkeratome cutting tool used in LASIK, but
with a finer blade called a trephine. The eye is then soaked in a 20%
alcohol solution (perhaps one part alcohol and four parts sterile water) for
about 30 seconds. The solution loosens the edges of the epithelium. After
sponging the alcohol solution from the eye, the surgeon uses a tiny hoe to
lift the edge of the epithelial flap and gently fold it back out of the way.
Then the surgeon uses an excimer laser, as in LASIK or PRK, to sculpt the
corneal tissue underneath. Afterward, the epithelial flap is placed back on
the eye with a kind of spatula.
LASEK has developed in recent years as a variation of the
existing PRK procedure. The laser and technology are the same as with that
procedure, but with LASEK a trephine blade is used to remove the top layer
of the cornea.
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If you are considering LASIK, but your doctor says you
need LASEK instead, ask why. It's not for everyone, but many surgeons who
perform LASEK consider it a better option for some patients who will
probably not do very well with LASIK.
In many ways, what you can expect from LASEK is similar
to what you can expect from LASIK, but there are some differences. The flap
edge heals in about a day, though patients usually wear a bandage contact
lens for around four days. You may feel eye irritation during the first day
or two afterward. Also, the time it takes to recover good vision is often
longer — up to seven to fourteen days. A haloing effect can sometimes be
experienced longer, but usually goes after a while. Of course, it varies
from one person to the next.
Patients usually need to take eye drops for up to two
months following the procedure, and should refrain from contact sports and
swimming.
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LASEK has no associated flap complications, one of the
biggest concerns with LASIK. It also offers a quicker nerve regeneration
time. On the down side, more pain is experienced and the recovery time is
longer. Other complications include dry eyes, haloed or blurred vision and
poor night vision, all of which regress in a year or less. About 2-5% of
patients require an additional treatment to enhance the visual outcome.
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When choosing refractive surgery, you and your doctor
should weigh the positive and negative aspects of each procedure to decide
which one is right for you. If your cornea is too thin, you will probably
not be a candidate for LASIK, and LASEK or PRK might be a viable options.
Some doctors use LASEK as the preferred procedure, but, because the recovery
time is longer than in LASIK, it is important to have enough time set aside
for the recovery process.
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How do I
get more information?
There are several ways of reaching the ophthalmologists of EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic:
Hover note: Please place your mouse cursor over the red box
to click on the web and email links. For websites, a new browser
window will open. For emails, your default email program will
open. You may cut and paste the URLs or email addresses if you
prefer not to open new windows.
ONLINE ACCESS
WEBSITES.
http://www.EyeRepublic.com.ph - EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
http://www.OCP.com.ph - Ophthalmic
Consultants Philippines Co. -
http://www.LASIK.com.ph - Refractive
Surgery Resource
http://www.Cataract.com.ph - Cataract Surgery Resource
http://www.Eye.com.ph - Eye
Information Online
http://www.EyeDoc4Kids.com.ph - Eye Information for Kids
http://www.Retina.com.ph - Retina
Surgery Resource
http://www.Glaucoma.com.ph - Glaucoma
Online
http://www.Uveitis.com.ph - Uveitis Online
EMAIL. After writing down your comments,
suggestions, problems and/or questions, kindly tell us how
to get in touch with you by providing your name, email,
home/office numbers, and mobile phone.
General inquiries - help@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Refractive Surgery Service - refractive.surgery@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Glaucoma Service - glaucoma@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Cataract Service - cataract@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Doctors - eyemd@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Administrative - president@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Website - webmaster@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Newsletter -
newsletter@EyeRepublic.com.ph (receive
news and updates, discounts and promotions)
BLOG. Send us your comments.
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Atlas
CLINIC INFORMATION
Mobile E-Yellow Pages. Via
SMS, text LUK4 EYEREPUBLIC
(send to 2851 for Globe and Sun Cellular, and 2951 for Smart). |
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic
Manila
3/F Don Santiago Building Units 309-310
1344 Taft Avenue, Ermita
Manila, 1000 Philippines
Direct and Fax: (632) 536-2398
Trunk Line: (632) 523-8271 to 79 local 30
Mobile: (63917) 899-2020
Map and directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
Asian Hospital
and Medical Center
5/F Medical Office
Building (MOB) Suite 509
2205 Civic Drive,
Filinvest, Alabang
Muntinlupa City,
1781 Philippines
Direct:
(632) 771-9253
Direct and Fax:
(632) 771-9254
Mobile: (63917) 795-2020
Map and Directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic
Medical City
6/F Medical Arts Tower Inc (MATI) Suite 602
MERALCO Compound, Ortigas Avenue
Pasig City, 1604, Philippines
Direct and Fax: (632) 632-7846
Mobile: (63917) 537-2020
Map and directions
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EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
St. Luke's
Medical Center
6/F
Cathedral Heights Building Complex (CHBC)
North Tower Suite 614
279 E. Rodriguez
Sr. Boulevard
Quezon City, 1102
Philippines
Direct and Fax:
(632) 407-3883
Mobile: (63917) 855-2020
Map and directions
|
CLINIC HOURS
First-Come, First-Served
Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
All clinics are closed on Sundays and Holidays
|
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LASEK
information compiled by
Dr. Manolette R.
Roque
and initially uploaded on June 3, 2005.
Last updated on
September 13, 2007. |
