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LASIK vs. LASEK: Understanding the Differences

Ventura Eye Institute, Inc. Blog LASIK vs. LASEK: Understanding the Differences
LASIK vs. LASEK: Understanding the Differences

You’re ready for vision corrective surgery so you can ditch your contacts or glasses. But with so many options, how do you choose? LASIK and LASEK are the two most popular options, which are different but similar surgical approaches. It’s essential to understand how each method works and talk with your eye doctor before choosing.

At Ventura Eye Institute in Camarillo, California, our eye health specialists offer both LASIK and LASEK for vision correction. Find out the differences between the two procedures and which one could be right for you.   

Understanding the differences between LASIK and LASEK 

LASIK and LASEK are very similar procedures, but there are several key differences to be aware of. While the two procedures have almost the same high success rate and similar side effects, which one is best for you will depend on eyesight quality, corneal thickness, and personal preference.

Here’s what you need to know about LASIK and LASEK and some details about a newer form of “bladeless LASIK.”

LASIK  

During LASIK surgery, your surgeon cuts a tiny flap in your cornea and lifts it up to sculpt the tissue underneath it for proper refraction. Once the reshaping is done, the flap is put back in place and left to heal. 

However, if you have very thin corneas, it might not be possible to create and lift a flap without risk of tearing. That’s when LASEK is typically suggested.

LASEK  

During LASEK surgery, your surgeon uses a gentle medication to lift the epithelium, or uppermost layer of your cornea, entirely up and away instead of creating a flap. After reshaping the tissue, this layer is lowered back into place. 

Recovery can take a little longer than with LASIK, but results can be slightly superior with LASEK, and it’s safer for people with thin corneas. 

Bladeless LASIK 

Ventura Eye Institute also offers bladeless LASIK, also known as all-laser LASIK. Your surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap and an excimer laser to sculpt the tissue underneath. 

We utilize incredibly advanced laser technology for vision correction: the VISX Star S4 Laser with CustomVue™. This laser system uses Wavefront technology based on astrophysics to correct refractive errors, just like blurry viewing through the Hubble telescope was solved. 

Making your choice

Before deciding on surgery, you must consult a specialist and have a thorough eye examination. We evaluate your overall health, eyesight, and cornea thickness before recommending and explaining each procedure’s risks and recovery expectations. 

To learn more about vision correction surgery, schedule a consultation with the team at Ventura Eye Institute to discuss whether LASIK or LASEK is right for you. Just call us at 805-388-1211 or book an appointment online today. 

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