LASEK(PRK) (Photorefractive Keratectomy) or Surface Treatment (PRK/EK) is a vision correction procedure in which the vision correction treatment is applied to the surface of the cornea. PRK is the procedure of choice for patients whose corneas are too thin to have LASIK.
LASEK(PRK) corrects your vision the same way LASIK does, by reshaping the cornea with an Excimer laser so light focuses directly on the retina. The difference is that with LASIK, a flap is created on the outer part of the cornea, and vision correction is applied to the inner tissue of the cornea.
With LASEK(PRK), a portion of the eye surface called the epithelium is softened using an Ethanol solution and gently moved aside. The laser is then applied to the underlying surface to reshape your cornea and correct your prescription. A special contact lens is put in place over your cornea for a period of five days to provide comfort and protection to the surface as it heals.
The decision as to which procedure is best for you will be made in consultation with your Laser
Optometrist and Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon.