LASEK Laser Vision Correction

LASEK Laser Vision Correction

LASEK is laser vision correction without the LASIK “flap” Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK or LASEK) uses laser energy to correct vision disorders. As with LASIK, the laser alters the shape of the cornea so that light rays can focus properly on the retina. The excimer laser is a unique type of “cold” laser that does not burn tissue.

The laser sculpts the cornea’s surface by removing small amounts of surface tissue – one molecular layer at a time. This process of cell removal is termed “ablation.” This part of the procedure takes approximately 1 minute. When using the laser to correct nearsightedness, the curvature of the cornea is reduced. To correct farsightedness, the cornea’s curvature is increased by removing peripheral tissue. To correct astigmatism, tissue is removed from specific areas of the cornea to create a more spherical shape.