Refractive Surgery

Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) - LASEK

Laser assisted sub-epithelial keratectomy (LASEK) is a laser surgical procedure for the correction of refractive error i.e. astigmatism, hyperopia (long-sightedness), and myopia (short-sightedness). The LASEK procedure, unlike LASIK, does not require a flap. It involves softening or loosening the outer surface layer of the cornea (epithelium) with diluted alcohol, thereby removing the corneal epithelium easily. The excimer laser is then used to treat the surface of the cornea directly and the amount of treatment is dependent on the individual's refractive error. At the end of the procedure, a soft bandage contact lens is applied to aid healing and improve comfort. The bandage lens is removed once epithelial healing is completed.

  

How does this difference translate into the suitability of a particular individual for laser refractive surgery?

As LASEK consumes less corneal tissue than LASIK, it is suitable for individuals who have thin corneas and who are otherwise unsuitable for LASIK.

 

Are there any disadvantages of LASEK compared to LASIK? What is the recovery process like following LASEK surgery?

Visual recovery is slower in LASEK. Recovery to reasonably clear vision typically takes about three to five days in LASEK compared to about one day in LASIK. In LASEK, most patients may experience some eye pain for about one or two days after the surgery. This pain is usually relieved by taking analgesics (painkillers).

By wearing a soft bandage contact lens for a few days, the eye pain is also greatly reduced in most patients such that sometimes, oral analgesics are unnecessary. 

 

When does long-term visual recovery fully stabilise in LASEK as compared to LASIK?

The long-term visual recovery process typically stabilises at about three to six months following LASEK surgery as compared to one to three months in LASIK.

 

How long must I apply eye drops following LASEK surgery to my eyes?

You will be prescribed a variety of eye drops following LASEK surgery. These eye drops consist of antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection, corticosteroid (steroid) eye drops to reduce inflammation and artificial tears eye drops to prevent dry eyes. After LASEK surgery, you are required to apply the steroid eye drops for about three months. This is in contrast to LASIK surgery where the antibiotic and steroid eye drops are applied only for one week following surgery. 

 

LASEK Fees

At the SNEC Laser Vision Centre, we are committed to providing quality and accessible ophthalmic eye care. Our rates are deliberated with the patient in mind.

For more information, please call: 

• Clinic Appointment and Enquiry - (65) 6322 8891
• Surgery Appointment - (65) 6322 9335
  

We accept payment by cash, NETS (subject to the daily limit), debit and credit cards (AMEX, VISA and Mastercard). 12 months instalment payment with 0% interest option are available with DBS, POSB, OCBC, UOB Visa or Master credit cards only.