The surgical LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis) procedure developed from the original excimer laser correction procedure (PRK), which has been known since 1986.
There is no preparation of a corneal flap. Following preliminary treatment with an alcohol solution, only the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is moved to one side. Then, in the same way as with LASIK, the excimer laser is used to sculpt the underlying corneal layer that has been revealed. Afterwards, the epithelium can be smoothed over the lasered corneal surface again. A bandage contact lens protects the surface layer that has not yet grown together securely for three to four days until it has completely healed, and is then removed. Depending on the quality of the epithelium, it cannot always be maintained completely and replaced in its original position. The result of this procedure then corresponds to the original PRK treatment.
