Which is better Lasik or Lasek?

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is performed to correct vision error by using a laser. It has been performed since the late 1980s to improve farsightedness (hyperopia), near-sightedness (myopia), or imperfect eye curvature (astigmatism).

During LASIK, your eye surgeon induces the first laser that creates a very thin layer protective flap on the clear membrane (cornea) of your eye. Then, the second laser is used to correct your vision by lifting this protective flap. If you have vision errors in both the eyes, they can be treated on the same day. The recovery process is fairly quick in this procedure. You can drive or start working after 24 hours. Most people regain an error free vision in about four to six weeks after the procedure.

Your eye doctor may not suggest this surgery if you

• Have unstable vision errors.
• Have hyperopia (extreme farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness), or astigmatism (imperfect eye curvature).
• Have a cone-shaped clear cornea.
• Have a very thin clear layer of the eye.
• Have glaucoma (advanced eye nerve damage).
• Have a severe dry eye.
• Have poorly controlled diabetes.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) is performed to correct vision error. It is a newer and less-invasive procedure. This procedure has been performed since 1996. If you have a thin cornea or preexisting disease or condition that makes your eye surgery more challenging, this is the best option for you.

During this surgery, only one laser ray is used to correct your vision. In this procedure, an alcohol solution loosens the thin layer of cells of your eye’s surface (corneal epithelium). These cells then stick to a sheet that gently moves to the side of your eye, which provides easy access to the surgeon to the clear layer of your eye (cornea) to treat it through laser.

After reshaping the clear layer of your eye (cornea), special protective lenses will be put on your eyes to increase your comfort and healing process. The lens will be taken off after four days.

Both the eyes can be treated on the same day similar to laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Many patients can experience improvement in their vision in a few hours; however, it may take a few days or sometimes weeks to resolve your vision. Slightly longer recovery time for LASEK is a small compromise for long-term correction of your vision, which you will never get from any other surgery.

Some temporary or permanent complications of both procedures are as follows:

• Eye pain and discomfort
• Hazy, blurry vision
• Scratchy eye
• Sensitivity toward light
• Starburst or halos around the light
• Eye infection
• Persistence visual error(rare)