LASEK (Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis) is a relatively new procedure that combines the benefits of LASIK and PRK. LASEK is a refractive surgery technique developed by Italian doctor, Massimo Camellin, MD and first publicized in 1999. The motivation behind LASEK was to find a surface ablation technique like PRK that induced less discomfort, offers a lower incidence of corneal haze, and provides the patient with faster vision recovery

This type of laser vision correction does not require any corneal incision at all. A mild alcohol solution is placed on the corneal to loosen the top layer of tissue. Only the most superficial layer of the cornea is gently brushed aside. This thin flap is then replaced after the laser reshaping is complete. Less tissue is removed than with traditional Lasik. Patients with thin corneas, or patients who have had previous vision correction such as RK, can possibly now have laser vision correction safely performed. Healing may be faster than with traditional PRK.

To treat nearsightedness, the cornea is made flatter by removing tissue from the center of the cornea.

To treat farsightedness, the flat cornea is made steeper by removing peripheral tissue in a ring shape on the outer edges of the cornea. This steepens the central visual part of the cornea.

To treat astigmatism, the cornea is made less oval shaped. Astigmatism means that the eye has an oval or football shape. The laser reduces the oval shape making the focusing ability clear in all directions. Astigmatism can be treated at the same time as nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Patients generally have had marvelous results with LASEK eye surgery. The benefits of LASEK eye surgery include a laser eye surgery option for patients who ay not be good candidates for LASIK.