Our 20/20 LASIK Blog

The 20/20 Institute is proud to offer more and more laser vision correction choices to our patients across the U.S. We still offer All Laser LASIK, the most common laser vision correction option. For some of you though, traditional LASIK is not an option because of your prescription, or because of the depth of corneal tissue you have available for the procedure. In the past, you have been told that you were not a candidate for laser vision correction, but that may no longer be true. LASEK is just one of several options that we now offer and it means a wider set of criteria for patients who were not candidates before.

LASEK Overview
Like LASIK, LASEK is a laser vision correction procedure that produces excellent results. The main difference between the two procedures is that LASIK uses a mechanical device to create a very thin flap in the cornea to prepare the eye for the laser treatment and LASEK does not.

With LASEK, the surgeon uses a sterile alcohol solution to loosen the epithelium (the outermost layer of the cornea) and a hand-held tool called a trephine to create a thin flap in the epithelium. The epithelium is moved to the side and the laser treatment proceeds.

After the treatment, the epithelium is replaced over the cornea and a bandage contact lens placed in the eye until the eye heals, about three to four days.

If you aren't a candidate for traditional LASIK because of thin corneas, LASEK may be the perfect laser vision correction option for you. Please contact the 20/20 Institute today to schedule your free LASEK consultation.