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LASEK Cost & Profile
- Avg. Cost: $1700
- Candidate: Corneas too thin for LASIK
- Length: 10 minutes
- Treatments: One
- Results: Permanent
- Back to work: 1-3 days
Common Questions & Answers about LASEK
"i am not sure what epithelial inclusions are. also i have not been able to get to the file on lasek from my computer. do you have some info on lasek. also why no prk. thanks audrey"
Latest LASEK Doctors
 | LASEK Silver Spring, Maryland Capital Eye Physicians & Surgeons, LLC, |
| LASEK Bowie, Maryland Capital Eye Physicians & Surgeons, LLC, |
 | LASEK Newark, Ohio Shahin Shahinfar, MD |
 | LASEK Newtown, New South Wales Brian Harrisberg, MD |
 | LASEK York, Pennsylvania Laser Eyes of York, |
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LASEK Basics
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What Is LASEK?
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.
How It's Done
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. A small blade, called a trephine, is then used to cut a flap in the epithelium (top layer of the cornea). The eye is then soaked in a 20% alcohol solution for about 30 seconds, and the flap is removed to expose the stroma (second layer of the cornea). A laser is then used to reshape the cornea.
Technology
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.
Recovery / Post Op Expectations
For about four days after surgery a protective contact lens is worn over the treated eye. For about one to two weeks vision is blurry, and a haloing affect can sometimes be experienced longer, but usually goes away after a while.
Patients usually need to take eye drops for up to two months following the procedure, and should refrain from contact sports and swimming.
Complications
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.
Am I A Candidate?
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.
Cost
Like with other surgeries, the cost of LASEK varies, but averages around the same as LASIK and PRK: about $1,700-$1,800.
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics obtained from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.
LASEK Surgery Information Guide
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Basics of LASEK"I've heard about the surgery and I'm looking to learn a bit more about things like cost, whether it's right for me, and what options I have."
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- Information on LASEK
A slight variation on the traditional LASIK procedure is becoming available, LASEK. This procedure may be an option for patients who are not good candidates for the traditional procedure. We have put together some information LASEK for your review. - LASEK Basics
LASEK laser eye surgery is an option in refractive surgery, that offers fewer complications than LASIK, but a longer recovery time. Read about the costs and what makes a good candidate. - Vision Problems: Which one do you have? What does it mean?
Learn about common vision problems, how they form, how they're measured, and how they can be corrected. - From Contact Lenses to LASIK – When to Make the Switch
If you’re one of the millions of people hoping to switch from contact lenses to LASIK this year, the first step is setting up a consultation with your local eye doctor. Knowing when to make the switch will depend on your overall eye health, as well as how stable your eyes currently are.
- Information on LASEK
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Details of LASEK"I already know some basic things about the surgery and I'm ready to research some of the details and maybe ask some questions."
- The Excimer Laser
The Excimer Laser has added a tremendous amount of precision, control and safety to treating nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
- The Excimer Laser
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Ready for LASEK"I've pretty much finished by research on the surgery and I think I'm ready to find and meet with a doctor to get started."
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- Find Laser Eye Surgery Doctors In Other Cities
- Patient Financing
Think you'll need help paying for your surgery? Almost anyone is a candidate for easy financing of up to 100% of the surgery costs.
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After LASEK
Related Subjects and Keywords: LASEK LASIK PRK laser eye surgery
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