What is lasek?

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) for farsightedness use a laser to reshape the cornea so that light is refocused on the retina. The laser reshapes the cornea accurately without damaging nearby tissues. No surgical cut is needed. Either procedure may be used to correct farsightedness and astigmatism at the same time.

These procedures can be done on an outpatient basis in a surgeon's office or same-day surgery center.

With PRK, surface skin cells of the cornea are removed, and a laser is used to reshape the cornea. The whole procedure, including preparation and surgery, takes about 20 minutes.

With LASEK, the surface layer of the cornea is loosened and pushed to the side. After the laser reshapes the cornea, the surface layer is placed back over the cornea.

PRK and LASEK are sometimes called surface ablation.

PRK and LASEK work well to reduce mild to moderate farsightedness. But experts don't know how long the effects will last. In the short term, PRK has proved effective in correcting mild to moderate hyperopia.

You will wear an eye shield, a bandage, or special contact lens for 2 to 3 days after surgery. And your doctor will prescribe eyedrops to reduce inflammation and the risk of infection. You may need to use eyedrops for several months after surgery. Several follow-up visits are needed.

The eye can be quite painful for 2 to 3 days. Your vision will be reduced for several days after surgery, until the surface skin cells heal. Recovering from LASEK surgery may be less painful than from PRK.

PRK and LASEK are procedures done to correct farsightedness in otherwise healthy eyes.

They may not be a good choice for people who have more severe farsightedness (high hyperopia). That's because the results are harder to predict and complications are more likely.

These procedures may not be done while you are pregnant. Pregnancy may interfere with the healing of the cornea.