Lasik Lasek

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   What is the advantages of LASEK over LASIK?
   I am going to get corrective surgery and my doctor said that I am a candidate for both. He said that maybe LASEK would be better for me but it is a much longer recovery time. So I was wondering if there is any advantages to have Lasek over lasik?

   • ANSWER:
     Lasek corrective surgery is probably the better way to go -

     It is better if your cornea is on the thin side.-

     It is a newer method than Lasik - but seems to have better results - especially if your cornea is on the thin side.

     I would go with what your opthomoligist suggests is the best way.

2. QUESTION:
   How does deterioration work after Lasik, Lasek, or PRK eye surgery?
   I'm wondering basically what the question asks!

   right now i have 20/200 uncorrected - 20/20 corrected vision. I was wondering if I get one of the following eye surgeries, will my vision just deteriorate to the same degree at which it is now?

   Thanks

   • ANSWER:
     LASIK eye surgery is a medical procedure that can correct your vision by altering the physical properties of your eye. Unlike traditional surgical procedures that depend upon the skills and steadiness of the surgeon's hand, advanced LASIK eye surgery is computer controlled.

     The more progressive LASIK surgery centers perform in-depth analysis of your eyes as an evaluation procedure to determine if you're a good candidate for the LASIK procedure. The evaluation process, which is largely controlled by computer itself, maps the overall physical makeup of each eye. A traditional eye exam determines your visual abilities and then an exhaustive computer analysis determines if your eyes can be enhanced by the LASIK procedure.

     In addition to determining whether or not you're a good candidate for LASIK, the procedure also records quite a bit of data that's specific to your eyes. If you choose to proceed with the LASIK surgery, this data is used to program the computer controlled LASIK equipment to insure that your eyes are modified exactly in the proper manner so as to provide maximum benefit.

     LASIK eye surgery is relatively safe and it can free you from glasses and contacts. Before you commit to LASIK surgery, make sure that you consider all the advantages and disadvantages of having the procedure. Ask the doctor lots of questions so that you can make an informed decision about whether LASIK eye surgery is the right choice for you.

3. QUESTION:
   How long after LASIK/LASEK before you can drink alcohol?
   Got a birthday party coming up!

   • ANSWER:
     It's not so much the surgery that will keep you from alcohol, but the medications you may be taking.
     They'll probably give you a mild sedative prior to the procedure - no alcohol after that.
     Then, there's the scratchy/itchy sensation that can make it VERY hard to fall asleep, so you'll also get a sleeping pill. You can't have alcohol prior to taking a sleeper.
     But by the third day after the procedure, you shouldn't have problems.

4. QUESTION:
   What is the difference between Wavefront Lasik, LASEK, and PRK?

   • ANSWER:
     "The primary difference between conventional Lasik and wavefront custom Lasik is the mapping system that guides the laser. Wavefront can be used for virtually all laser eye surgery techniques including All-Laser Lasik, Lasik, PRK, LASEK, and Epi-Lasik."

     http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/faq/lasek.htm

     http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/faq/epi-lasik.htm

     I could keep copying info that I think is good from these, but there is so much good information. It talks about how after PRK, there was a problem with a little haziness sometimes...because of the injury to the eye, cells were sent there, and created a "haze." And with Lasik, there is a flap, but the cornea is "fooled" into thinking there is no injury, so it won't produce the haze.

     Ask your opthalmologist lots of questions because that's his job, so don't feel bad about wanting to be clear about your options.

5. QUESTION:
   Where is a good place to get lasek or lasik operation within Toronto?
   Where is a good place to get operations within Hamilton, or Toronto, Canada? (or some other cities nearby) I'd also like to know the average price. Thank you!

   • ANSWER:
     I believe TLC has a location in Toronto. I got my laser training in Windsor Canada and I do believe they have another facility in Toronto. As to price, don't know. Just give them a phone call.

6. QUESTION:
   For those of you who've had either Lasik, Lasek or PRK, what type of profile were you given if at all any?
   The reason why I ask is because I am getting PRK done in 12 days and I also have a PT test coming up in approximately 6 weeks. I don't want to get the surgery right now if it's going to hinder my ability to take my APFT.

   Thanks in advance!

   • ANSWER:
     30 days from time of surgery for my PRK I had done in April 2008. You will have to bring in all of your surgery and post-op notes from the doctor up to one month afterwards to be cleared. If you are getting it done at a military treatment facility, you will get all this done by them.
     Make sure to have the 2-3 days after your surgery as time off. I slept those two days and just laid around the house with my sunglasses on and drank plenty of water. It wasnt bad, and to not have to worry about glasses now, is beyond words awesome. Good luck with it and hope you get the results I did..

     I went from -7 in both eyes to 20/20 in both..magic!

7. QUESTION:
   What do you think about laser eye surgery such as Lasik/Lasek?

   • ANSWER:
     I work in the industry and would be happy to answer whatever questions you have relating to the various procedures. Now before anyone jumps on the bandwagon and accuses me of marketing - I have no such intent. If you want the inside information related to the various risks and the real statistics that the companies only reveal with a hint of 'honestish' then ask. For obvious reasons I cannot say who I work for, but needless to say I have worked for one of the largest and one of the smallest. The differences are quite stark depending on where you go.

8. QUESTION:
   Whats the difference between Lasek and Lasik?

   • ANSWER:
     Here ya go, Josh!

     Lasik: Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis

     Lasek: Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis

     The link below is a link to a chart that compares them for you!

9. QUESTION:
   lasik / lasek / vision correction question?
   maybe a dr or someone very familiar with this help me out.

   i think my prescription is +9.75 it maybe lower i dont know, i will have to check.

   I also have a astigmatisim i dont think its to bad i dunno.

   i wear soft toric contact lens, i can see pretty well.

   what are my options for lasik/lasek / whatever other form of vision correction.

   I am located in USA, from my own little research it almost as whoever has the best toys can help you the most.

   I am sure this stuff cost thousands and thousands, so i would expect all doctors dont upgrade everytime something comes out.

   But whats the newest stuff and is there anything to help me at the moment?

   If not anything looking bright in the near future, im 19

   money is not really an issue here, just trying to get the best possible outcome and see if its possible.

   Man i wish had eagle eyes!

   • ANSWER:
     Your Facts: Prescription of +9.75 and 19 years of age. If the prescription is correct, you are a very high hyperope. None of the current lasers have been approved to treat this high level of hyperopia. Attempting to treat such high hyperopia with any laser technique (LASIK or LASEK) will almost surely cause severe unacceptable complications.

     Difference between LASIK and LASEK:
     LASIK is lamellar laser refractive surgery in which the excimer laser ablation is done under a partial-thickness lamellar corneal flap.
     In LASEK procedure the excimer laser is used to ablate the most anterior portion of the corneal stroma. LASEK does not require a partial thickness cut into the stroma.
     (http://www.agingeye.net/lasik/lasik.php)

10. QUESTION:
    Best eye procedure to get in the military: LASIK, LASEK, or PRK?
    I'm going to be a senior in college and I will be joining the military (most likely Marines) after I graduate next year but I really have no idea what MOS I will be doing. I've already had my eye evaluation and I am a candidate for all of these types of surgeries and I am scheduled to have one this coming week. I talked to a recruiter from the Marines and we discussed the process fairly briefly and they accept all of them, but I know that LASIK is an automatic disqualifier for some jobs and definitely special forces so I'm unlikely to do LASIK. For a while I thought LASEK was basically just the new name for PRK but obviously they are different procedures. To me LASEK seems like the better option because of quicker recovery and less dry eye and haze complications. Any advice on PRK or LASEK? Also, does LASEK disqualify you from some jobs like LASIK? I'm going to talk to the recruiter again tomorrow just to run it by them again but just thought I'd ask for some outside advice before I do. Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      PRK would be the better choice. I don't know about the Marines but LASIK is a disqualifyer for certain things in the Army including Airborne because LASIK can fail in certain environments since they just pull the flap up on the eye so it can fall back down again depending on what you're doing (like the pressure of falling through the air while Airborne). PRK they actually burn that layer off and then it regrows to give you better vision (it's more complicated than that but that's the simplest way I can describe it). So it doesn't disqualify you because there's no chance of any flap falling back down. Though there's no 100% guarantee either will work perfectly.

11. QUESTION:
    Should I get LASIK/LASEK laser eye surgery?
    I am joining the military, should I get laser eye surgery or not risk it? Since I would be issued goggles, ballistic goggles, sunglasses etc, is this defeating the object and regretably so? Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      I had lasik while on active duty and the army paid for it. But i am currently trying to get back on active status and because of the surgery the meps is giving me a hard time even thought the army did it, and it was at a military hospital. So i would not recommend doing it before you go in.

12. QUESTION:
    whats the highest they can do with lasik / lasek?
    what can they do now ?

    my vision is pretty bad well i think i remember something like +9.75 or somethig maybe thats a little higher not sure, have to ask doctor.

    I have an astigmatisim also, not sure what that is either but i wear soft toric contact lenses.......

    i can see good in contacts but just wondering what they can do now with the whole vision correct ness stuff .......

    also is their any other options, vocular implants or w.e ??

    let me know, and let me know what typess of lasers / stuff they have coming out...

    thanks

    • ANSWER:
      it all depends on if your cornea is deep enough...

      they test your cornea to see if they have enough room to cut and burn (simple terms)

      regardless of the astigmatisim ..cross your fingers and hope your cornea is deep.

      I had my eyes done 1 year ago. +8.5 close it if not higher..

      gl

13. QUESTION:
    Which is better LASIK or LASEK eye surgery?
    Please help! I'm having the surgery done in two days and I don't know which will be better in the long run. My doctor says I'm qualified for both but wouldn't say which one I should have. My corneas are really thick and good but I want to which one will give me less problems in the years to come

    • ANSWER:
      If your cornea is really thick, then you are probably suitable for either.

      Advantages in Lasek

      1. For thin /steep cornea
      2. No likely flap complication at all.

      Disadvantages in Lasek

      1. More painful during recovery. A couple of days.

      2. Much longer time to reach good eyesight. From weeks to months.

      Advantages of Lasik
      1. Speedy recovery both with sight and comfort. You can drive the next day.

      Disadvantages in Lasik

      1. Rarely flap complications.

      Dr.Yeoh Phee Liang
      Consultant Eye Surgeon
      www.advancevision.net.my

14. QUESTION:
    Laser eye surgery; Lasek(PKR) vs. Lasik (intralase) vs. something else?
    I'm planning on getting my eyes corrected with laser eye-surgery

    I'm nearsighted (-6.4 on both eyes) and I wear contacts. I smoke and for my job, and school I have to stare at a computer screen all day (with a 15 minute break every hours)
    Which type of surgery is better for me?

    Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Hi, I was -5,25 and -5,50 in my both eyes. I was also questioning a lot, since there are many tecnical terms which I at last find myself lost in it.

      I had my surgery with Dr.Nusret Bas, and made him explain all of my questions. So I believe these will help you.

      - LASEK is a new version of PRK. It is better. So, do not get PRK, get LASEK. And lasek is good for people who are less than -2. If the patient do have a high degree, there is a risk of regression, which is the re-growth of the eye sight.

      - Getting LASIK to that much of a high diopter is not good. Since, corneas are normally thin in this kind of high refractive errors, also the excimer laser treatment itself makes the cornea even more thinner. Since because in LASIK, the corneal flap is cut with microkeratome blade, it can not cut too thin. So, intralase is best of best. Intralase lasik is good for high dioptered eyes.

      For Laser eye surgeries, there is a Q&A section in Dr.Bas's web site. It is quite good.
      http://www.nusretbas.com/en/45.asp

15. QUESTION:
    Lasek and lasik..difference?
    Lasek and lasik..difference?
    How do these surgeries differ? I am planning to do the surgery bcz I am tired of wearing contacts or glasses but was looking about it and came to these two surgeries and was wondering which do I have to go for.

    • ANSWER:
      LASIK

      LASIK eye surgery is the latest, most talked about form of laser eye surgery. It uses an excimer laser that performs the actual operation of reshaping the cornea to restore proper vision. This type of laser has the ability to vaporize selected portions of the cornea without generating heat. The surgeon makes a small incision on the outer layer of the cornea to produce a flap. This flap is folded back out of the way while the laser makes the necessary corrections to the underlying portion of the cornea. Upon completion of the laser processing, the corneal flap is repositioned, restoring proper vision almost immediately. The entire process takes only a few minutes, it's virtually painless, and it works wonders!

      PRK

      PRK laser eye surgery differs from LASIK in that it does all of its corrections to the outside layer of the cornea, therefore it does not require the cutting of the cornea to produce the corneal flap. After removing a small amount of the outer layer of the cornea, the laser turns its attention to the underlying area, reshaping it to correct vision defects.

      LASEK

      LASEK is a modified version of the PRK procedure. LASEK uses a 20% alcohol solution to sofeten the outer layer of the cornea for easy removal. This layer is then replaced after the laser process has been completed. The major advantages of LASEK is a shorter healing time than PRK and no cutting is done as with LASIK procedures.

      It's highly recommended that you talk with your doctor and how any possible risks or side effects relate to your own personal circumstances. Ask the doctor lots of questions so that you can make an informed decision about whether eye surgery is the right choice for you.

16. QUESTION:
    Will PRK,Lasik, or Lasek eye surgery be considered a disqualifier in the Army, Navy , or Airforce?

    • ANSWER:

17. QUESTION:
    Eye corrective surgery (Lasik, Lasek, PRK)?
    I have several questions about it. First of all i did some looking around and i think my eye sight is about 20/350 or so. This is based off the prescription of my contacts. can anyone confirm or correct it?
    This is how it looks on the package

    8.6/14.4
    -3.75 -1.75 x030

    I am near sighted and have an astigmatism

    My second question is what is the safest type of surgery out there. I would rather do a surgery where it would take longer to heal/more pain present and have my eyes in better health that could be corrected if need be. And i am not really aiming for 20/20, more along the lines of 20/40. I keep hearing about different stuff like this new no-touch lasek or something.

    I wouldn't mind still having to wear glasses for reading. Its just what i do in the rest of my day that would make no glasses alot more convenient.

    Any help is appreciated

    • ANSWER:
      I had LASIK about a month ago and very happy with it. Since everybody's eyes are different, you should go for a free consultation or two. They will look at your eyes and tell you what methods are available to you, what is the cost and what you can except in the way of results. The place I went to guaranteed me 20/20 vision or my money back

18. QUESTION:
    What Would Ease Dry Eyes Problem? LASIK or LASEK (PRK)?
    What has more chances to deliver dry eyes problem? What can make dry eyes problem permanent? What is better to ease problem of dry eyes?

    • ANSWER:
      Neither of those procedures is a treatment for dry eye. They both are used only so that you no longer need to wear glasses.

19. QUESTION:
    Whats better lasik or lasek for correcting vision?

    • ANSWER:
      Lasik uses the Nicoisian provonium transponders for recalibration, whereas--Lasek, has a technology licensed from McDonnell-Douglas back in the 30s, and I am still looking for information on that. But this is a very good question.

20. QUESTION:
    lasik lasek - farsightness vision correction?
    whats the max they can do now?

    i think mine is +9.75 i thiink ........not sure i can find out but yea plus i have n astigmatisim.......

    bad vision, i wear contacts now they work well, but man i would love to never ever have to mess with them again.

    is thier any procedure for this now?

    if not will something like this be arriving shortly.

    thanks again

    • ANSWER:
      Haai Lasik can be done for near sightedness, far sightedness and astigmatism. So ure + 9.75 dosent really matter. Lasik would work well for ure power.

      But you have to understand that Lasik will correct only your distant vision and still you might need glasses for near vision.

      The latest in lasik is Zyoptix and available here in India.

      I am an Ophthalmologist and a Lasik Surgeon.

      Pranav Eye Care
      Dr.Sen

21. QUESTION:
    Lasik/Lasek - what constitutes a 'significant' change in prescription?
    Hi all,

    I am 25 and have had glasses for about 8 years (only worn daily for a few years). I am considering laser surgery and notice in the 'am i suitable' type info that your prescrip shouldn't have changed much in the last two years. Most websites are so commercial they don't really tell you - how much is a big change? e.g. I went from -2.00 and -1.75 to -2.25 and -2.00 in about a year. Is that a lot? Also, what does 'cylinder' refer to on a prescription? Mine is -0.50, whatever that means. Cheers.

    • ANSWER:
      That does not sound like a signifcant change.

22. QUESTION:
    Does anyone know the difference between Lasik and Lasek? Which one is better/safer?

    • ANSWER:
      LASIK is the ever popular procedure where a "flap" is created by basically making an incision on the cornea and treating the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser to reshape it. LASEK still involves the excimer laser re-shaping, but it does not involve making an incision or cutting the cornea to make a "flap." Which one is better? It depends on the scans of the shape of the cornea, thickness of the cornea, pupil size, or prescription. Having a borderline reading will prompt an experienced surgeon to do LASEK which will be safer. Ask the surgeon the difference in healing time and pain between these two procedures. Getting multiple opinions definitely brings up your odds in getting a successful and safe treatment. I would check with a reknowned surgeon from a University setting as one of the opinions -- watch out for cheap pricing, in this industry you DO GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!

23. QUESTION:
    I have astigmatism, near sightedness, and floaters?? Can I still get lasik?
    I wear special contacts for astigmatism.

    I'm wondering in the future, can I still get LASIK/LASEK eye surgery even though I have astigmatism, nearsightedness, and floaters???

    Would they make my floaters appear more?

    • ANSWER:
      Lasik has no effect on floaters, and floaters have no effect on Lasik.

      Nearsightedness correction is what Lasik does best.

      Astigmatism is more limited in how much can be corrected by lasik.

      But, there are other criteria that have to be considered also, such as corneal thickness and tear quality.

      So, no one can tell you if you are a good candidate until tests have been done. It can't really even be considered until you are in your early 20's and your vision has been stable for a couple of years.

      The laser clinics offer free consultations and will tell you when the time is right and if you are a good candidate.

24. QUESTION:
    Eye Laser Surgery, Lasek, Lasik, waves etc can anyone advise me please as this is huge decision for me ?
    Hi I had a bad experience 3 years ago NOTHING to do with eye laser so please everyone dont get alarmed the thing is I DID have this awful experience even though I did massive research and saw several consultants and thought I'd chosen the best but I didn't. Now thats all in the past now but the question is I would love to have eye laser done and I simply cannot make up my mind who what where?so the point is even though I have read testimonials from people who have used X Y and Z I would love a recommendation and when I have had mine succesfully done (optimist) I would definately help people who asked me. I have read surgeons profiles and how many ops they have done but I am sqeamish and eyes are precious ~I dont want to make a mistake. please ~ please can anyone tell me a great put-u-at-ease surgeon who has done thousands and where they are? I would rather travel and find someone good than have done closer to home and make bad decision based on distance. any advise appreciated. demi
    Thats lovely to hear but WHO did it and where? thats what I need to know maybe a surgeon's name will keep popping up and then I can book to see him/her. please please give details I am nervous but cannot afford constant eye tests spectacles various ones reading driving and if you loose them more money and so inconvenient. a name anyone?
    OK so we have two no names ONE optival express and one ultralase WHIch was helpful as it gives idea of price but sadly no names are coming up. I thank you all for the time you took to answer but still not getting the answer I want a name of a good and succcesful person. I made appt at opticians and asked and they said they wouldnt trust anyone and said maybe you should try Moorfields Hospital Private Dept but thats becasue they dont want to lose customer. HELP ANYONE please this surgery is amazing if it goes well but sure anyone would liketo know good one. appreciate it if u have any advise at all.

    • ANSWER:
      I had laser eye surgery done last October and have never looked back - my surgery took place through Optical Express in London. I have Lasik surgery and everything went fine.
      The other important thing is that I have wavefront surgery as my pupil's are slightly larger than average. This meant that the surgery was only only specific to my vision, but also to my eye size. The advantage of having this surgery is it does reduce the risk of night blindness - although does cost more.
      To be totally honest the actual surgery was a bit of a whirl wind - it was over in less than 15 mins. The key worry I had was focusing on the light. I knew that if I didn't then I may cause it to go wrong, but everything was fine.
      For the following couple of hours when the anaesthetic started to wear off my eyes were uncomfortable, I slept for about 4 hours and when I woke, my eyesight was great and the pain was much reduced - the following morning my eyesight was tested and it was practically 20/20.
      p.s. Make sure you get a decent pair of sunglasses. My eyes were very sensitive to light for a few days and these really saved addition pain.

      Good luck

25. QUESTION:
    Differences between Lasek and Lasik?
    Also what are the dangers of laser eye correction surgery.
    I'm not looking to have any surgery so no opinions please!

    • ANSWER:
      Lasek and PRK are very similar procedures. Lasik is slightly different. In Lasik, a slice through the cornea is made creating a little flap of corneal tissue. The flap is folded back and the laser is applied to the inner exposed corneal tissue. The flap is folded back down and the procedure is over.

      In PRK, the outer most layer of the eye is stripped off, exposing the outer surface of the cornea (instead of an inner surface as in Lasik). The laser is applied to this outer surface of the cornea and the procedure is over. In a couple days the outer layer of the eye grows back, covering the cornea again.

      In Lasek, the exact same thing happens as in PRK, except that instead of discarding the outermost layer of the eye, it is retained and then replaced on the eye after the lasing. That way it doesn't have to completely re-grow. It takes about as long as PRK to fully heal.

      PRK and LASEK are better for people with thin cornea, since you don't have to cut a flap in the cornea. LASIK generally heals faster (in a couple days instead of a week) and hurts less (none of the procedures hurt during the procedure due to numbing drops, but all of them will have some pain or discomfort in the following days). However, the flap used in LASIK never fully heals and can become dislodged later in life if you get hit in the eye or something similar. With PRK and LASEK there is no such issue. And, though minimal, PRK and LASEK report slightly better results.

      Try this link:
      www.the-lasik-directory.com/lasik_lasek_chart.html

26. QUESTION:
    what is difference between LASIK AND LASEK???????
    pls tell me in ur words...dont post any sites...tell me in ur words.....

    • ANSWER:
      LASIK STANDS FOR LASER WHILE LASEK STANDS FOR LASER ASSISTED SUB- EPITHELIAL KERATOMILEUSIS .

27. QUESTION:
    Have you had LASEK, LASIK, or PRK surgery?
    What was your experience with it...good? bad? How was recovery for you (especailly PRK)
    Thank you!

    • ANSWER:
      I was about 20/250 before Lasik surgery last year. The procedure was painless, probably due to the Valium they gave me. The ride home (as a passenger, of course) was fairly uncomfortable, mainly due to light sensitivity. The doctor gave me dark goggles, but the light was still too bright. I was in some pain once I got home (maybe 3 hours post procedure), but I had some left over Vicodin, and took two doses of that. The Vicodin took the edge off. Slept fine that night. Woke up the next morning, and I COULD SEE FINE! Hallelujah! I was jazzed up about that. I drove myself to my one day check up (an 2 hour round trip) with no problems. For that check up, I was seeing at 20/25, less than 24 hours after the surgery. I went to work that afternoon (doing ultrasound which really requires you to use your eyes). For my one week check up, I was seeing between 20/20 and 20/15. Other than the touch of pain I had post procedure, before I went to bed for the night, I had no other problems. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

      Just one other thing....I went to a doctor who used computerized, lazer equipment. No knives were involved. But, it cost me a pretty penny. I paid 00 for both eyes, but I was not comfortable going to a doctor that advertized in the newpaper for 0 per eye. Sometimes you get what you pay for! Good luck to you!

28. QUESTION:
    Is LASEK/LASIK safe? How far do you think it will advance within the next six years or so? All answers welcome
    Well it's 2008 now and there are companies all over the world that are offering the revolutionary treatment. I have heared that the best treatment can be found in Europe. My question is i hear that treatment companies have successfully treated many patients with long lasting results (now with the safer method of using "Intralase" to create the Corneal flap).
    One company i found even advertised on a reputable website of an opticians. My question is if i was to have surgery at the age of 23 or 24 (which is why i refer to 6 / 7 years from now) how far advanced is the technology likely to be? Medical science is improving all the time and i really need this surgury if i am to make the grade for my dream job in the police service in the future.

    Answers and opinions from Opticians, patients and success/ failure stories (with prescription strength details before and after) all welcome...

    P.S. Does the Corneal flap heal? I have heared a scary story that it sometimes never heals, help pls?

    • ANSWER:
      I'd heard that it can cause damage to the retinas.

29. QUESTION:
    Is Lasek better that Lasik?
    I wanna do this surgery on my eyes, and would like to know the differences, positive and negative points.

    • ANSWER:
      LASIK and LASEK are a little different. I work for a LASIK center but the doctor prefers not to do LASEK. We do LASIK and PRK (which is the alternative we do to LASEK).

      LASEK is a procedure recommended if you have thin corneas or flat/steep corneas. PRK is an alternative to this.

      With LASEK they create a flap with a fine blade prior to doing the laser treatment. PRK is a surface treatment . No flap is created. All the treatment is done on the surface of the cornea. With both procedures you will have pain/discomfort - tearing and burning (like when you cut onions). With either the doctor will place a bandage contact lens in the eye (a clear contact lens that just protects the eye - usually stays in for 3-5 days). Your vision will be cloudy/unclear and you will be in pain for first 3 days. Your vision will clear up usually anywhere between 4-7 days after. It varies patient to patient.

      Are you a candidate for LASIK? Why did they recommend LASEK vs LASIK? Do you have thin or flat or steep corneas? And if you can do LASIK did they recommend INTRALASIK?

      With LASIK they cut a corneal flap prior to the laser treatment. It can be done 2 ways - with a microkeratome blade or with a laser (called intralase). If you have thin, flat or steep corneas, INTRALASE is the safest way if you decide to do LASIK.

30. QUESTION:
    Is LASIK better for me or is LASEK?

    • ANSWER:
      Choosing the right procedure requires you to do some research, to pose good questions to your eye care provider, and even get the opinions of others, especially if your provider does not offer or is trained in LASEK.

      There are certainly times when LASEK is the procedure of choice for certain patients. The questions are:
      1- Does your prescription and comfort level make you a good candidate for LASEK?
      2- If so, who would be the right eye surgeon to perform my surgery.

31. QUESTION:
    Why is one eye getting better vision than the other after Lasek?
    I had Lasek (a version of PRK, not to be confused with Lasik) its been exactly one week now and my left eye has be improving well day by day but my right eye is still a little blurry.

    • ANSWER:

32. QUESTION:
    What is the best human eyesight ever recorded?
    What is the best human eyesight ever recorded? How precise can you make your eyesight with any form of surgery (Lasik, Lasek, etc).

    Anyone who writes 20/20 is an idiot. I've seen confirmed medical reports of 20/10. I was wondering if it's possible to go down to as low as 20/5.

    • ANSWER:
      The best human vision is 20/10. This is the minimal spatial resolution that individual photoreceptor cells on your retina can detect. Very few people are able to achieve this.

      With LASIK, you can get vision as good as 20/10 but 20/20 is a more realistic expectation.

33. QUESTION:
    Is it acceptable to be sworn in as a Police Officer in a force if you wear corrective lenses?
    I am aspiring to join the Police Department in a couple years, however my issue is that I wear Corrective contact lenses. While wearing these lenses my vision is absolutely perfect, but without them i see quite blurry. Would this be a problem? I really dont want to get Lasik/Lasek but im keeping that an option. Any current sworn officers have any advice on this matter before I take the police exam?

    • ANSWER:
      Vision requirements for police officer candidates vary, sometimes greatly, depending on the department. Some police departments require candidates to have very good uncorrected vision. Some police departments are primarily concerned with your corrected vision being at least 20/20. Two examples are below. Visit the website of the police departments that you are interested in. The websites will often contain the department's vision requirements.

      The Los Angeles Police Department requires candidates to have at least 20/30 in each eye with the following exceptions. If glasses are worn, vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye while wearing the glasses and uncorrected distance vision must not exceed 20/70 in either eye and the better eye must be at least 20/40. If soft contact lenses are worn, they must have been worn for at least three months and vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye tested with the contacts in. If a LASIK procedure (refractive surgery) was performed, vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye.

      The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia requires candidates to have at least 20/100 vision, correctable to 20/30 in both eyes.

      You do not have to have perfect vision to be a police officer. Good luck!

      Check out http://www.peaceofficerjobs.com for excellent information and advice about becoming a police officer.

34. QUESTION:
    Should I Get LASEK or PRK laser eye surgery with astigmatism?
    Hello All:

    I have been to two board-certified doctors in order to be evaluated for lasik/lasek/prk. My current prescription is:
    R SP -4.5 CYL -3.5
    L SP -3.0 CYL -3.25

    cornea thickness and pupil diameter allow me to be eligible for either prk or lasek.

    My questions are:
    Can the VISX CustomVue Laser using Custom Wavefront Technology be used to treat my prescription?

    What amount of nearsightedness and astigmatism can this laser correct?

    Can any other custom wavefront procedures work for me based on my astigmatism? I believe my astigmatism is myopic.

    Based on my prescription, what procedure (Lasek or PRK) will likely produce the best result?

    If, because of my astigmatism, a custom wavef

    • ANSWER:
      If your cornea thickness allows both, then I don't think there is any issue with either. PRK can be used on thinner corneas and if there needs to be a further correction, having PRK makes it more likely to be correctable if you have thinner corneas. But these don't sound like issues to you, since your corneas are fine.

      I would suggest PRK. The reasons to do lasik over PRK is that it heals faster, is less painful, and you get instant results. PRK takes a few weeks to get full results (though it will continue to improve for up to a year). And it can be painful for the next couple of days. Also, you will not be able to see well enough to drive or even work for a several days. But, PRK has fewer risks (they can't over cut the flap) and in the long run there are fewer risks since there is no flap to cause problems. (LASIK flaps can come un-seated years afterward if you get hit in the eye, since it never really heals.) Also, PRK tends to improve over the long run, to give you better results. I had PRK and the pain was not significant and I had could take a week off from work. I would say the pain and the time off was totally worth the reduced risk. In my mind, LASIK is for people who are afraid of the pain and want instant results. But PRK is a better procedure with less risk and better results. If it were me, I would go for better results and less risk. And that's what I did. I am happy with my decision.

35. QUESTION:
    Anyone have Epi-Lasek and what do you think?
    I am getting Epi-Lasek and want to know if anyone has had it and their experience. Why Epi-Lasek instead of Lasik? my vision is -2.25.

    • ANSWER:
      Trader, your should ask you eye doctor (ophthalmologist) and s(he) should best answer your valid questions about these procedures. LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis) is a laser refractive procedure to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASEK is sometimes referred to as "Epi-LASEK." It involves removing the top layer of the cornea as a flap-like sheet before re-sculpting the cornea with the excimer laser. The epithelial sheet is then replaced on the surface of the eye and a soft contact lens is inserted for a few days following the surgery.

      What is the difference between LASIK and LASEK?
      In the LASIK procedure, an instrument called a microkeratome is used to create a protective flap of tissue. LASEK also involves the creation of a protective epithelial flap, but there is no microkeratome used. Instead, the tissue is loosened with a medical solution and then is carefully moved to the side for the laser portion of the procedure. After the laser procedure, the tissue is then repositioned and healing begins.

      Why would you have LASEK over LASIK? LASEK is a great option for patients previously turned down for LASIK because of thin or unusually shaped corneas. It is also a nice option for those patients who are uncomfortable with the microkeratome.

      Good luck!

36. QUESTION:
    For joining army/navy is it better to get LASEK or PRK?
    I am going into the army/navy at 18 and maybe eventually the U.S navy seals..

    i know to join army/marines you need 20/20 vision either corrected by lasik, lasek or prk or glasses/contacts.

    but i am not to interested in lasik because they cut a corneal flap and with impact can open or move slightly which may cause some damage..plus i heard they do not allow you in navy or U.S navy seals especially because of parachuting and water impacts.

    so which one is better to get for those purposes of either being a seal or in the navy
    i already have pretty dry eyes when i wear contacts they dry up very much and i just dont like glasses

    PRK is done with a laser and theres no cutting involved (so i heard)
    what are some of the permanent effects that can happen by getting prk if there is any..

    LASEK from what i've heard seems to be my favorite because it has a descent recovery time and from what i've looked up on the internet theres no permanent effects and you are still eligible to join seals, navy etc..
    oh ok, i didn't really plan on joining the air force though i'm pretty much focusing on getting to army then marines then eventually the seals. thx for the info tho =P

    • ANSWER:
      get NEITHER, unless it is done by the military

      also, educated woman, you are not educated in this, you are wrong.

37. QUESTION:
    Corrective eye laser surgery if you have a prism?
    Can anyone advise me please. I have a prism in my eye prescription as i have a a slight lazy eye especially when my eyes are tired. I am also short sighted. Would i still be able to get laser eye surgery and be free of wearing glasses? Would this be more expensive that the usual LASIK LASEK procedure?

    • ANSWER:
      You can still get the surgery to eliminate everything but the lazy eye. Lazy eye actually has a surgery for it as well.. although I do not recommend it. If you lazy is is always there,.. meaning it isn't intermittent then there isn't much point in laser surgery as the optician said, you will need to continue to wear glasses. If it is intermittent, transient then usually eye exercises (aka : eye therapy) can help .. even patching or atropine drops in dominant eye for many months can help things out.

      Anyhow, if it only happens when tired, then you could have the surgery and when fresh things would be good -- when tired you could put on glasses with prisms alone (or at your new corrected prescription + prisms).

      I have a lazy eye as well that only occurs when I get extremely tired as well. Which is why I mention the eye therapy for people who have intermittent lazy eye.

      Wish you the best..

38. QUESTION:
    Am I too young for Lasek?
    I've had to wear glasses ever since I was six years old, and I've worn contacts for a bit over the past year and half. As a sort of "present" for my senior year in high school my mother had persuaded me to go in for tests to determine if I was a good candidate for laser surgery.

    I was a bit apprehensive about having surgery at first, but hoorah! It turns out that I indeed am a good candidate.
    (I currently have worse than 20/400 vision, or a bit beyond -6.5 diopters.)

    I've researched the options and have so far decided to go with my doctor's recommendation of receiving Lasek surgery (over Lasik and PRK).

    But now that I've made my decision and have the dates set for additional eye measurements and the plans for the actual operation day, I'm starting to get cold feet.

    I was worried at first about being too young for eye surgery, but my doctor has told me that I'm at the correct age. I know that it's an uncommon occurence to have Lasik or Lasek at 17 or 18 years old, or at least in the U.S. (I live in South Korea.) What do you all think?

    [For the record: I *do* trust my doctor. He's a graduate of Emory University, has plenty of certification, and a tad over twenty years of experience performing eye surgery (and hasn't had a single eye infection in his office in the whole time he's performed laser eye surgery).]

    • ANSWER:
      I have no idea whether you are too young or not because i don't know anything about eye surgery. but i think you should get it because i know that you want to. Even though it means that you won't need glasses any more, & you look so cute in your glasses

39. QUESTION:
    What foods are good to promote healing of the eyes?
    I'll be having LASEK (not LASIK) surgery in about a week. The doctor is giving me drops and medication and the like to promote healing, but i was also curious if there are any natural foods that i can eat before and during the recovery process that will give my body what it needs to repair my eye properly and quickly.

    • ANSWER:
      Vitamin A (Beta Carotene) is the best nutrient for eye health. Good sources are carrots, apricots, cantaloupe, mango, broccoli, pumpkin, squash, and meats and poultry.

40. QUESTION:
    How might laser eye surgery affect my ability to scuba dive?
    Would I still be able to dive after Lasik, Lasek, Waveform etc. treatment for short sight and astigmatism? Which treatment is best?
    abuomarmaksoud: I am in the UK, where doctors do not generally offer advice on laser eye surgery. That is why I am asking. Not everywhere is the same as the US of A!

    • ANSWER:
      Quoting from Divers Alert Network Europe, under the "Research/Medicine" heading:

      LASER EYE SURGERY

      Question:
      I have a question about eye surgery.
      Is there any difference in waiting time before returning to diving when the laser eye surgery is done by PRK-METHOD?

      Answer:
      In general laser corneal surgery is considered to require a return-to-dive interval ranging from 2 until 4 weeks, depending on the type of surgery, Lasik techniques being the ones requiring less time.
      Surgical radial keratotomy interventions require a longer interval, generally not less than 3 months.
      There is no known permanent contraindication to resuming diving when clinical complete healing is achieved after non complicated eye surgery performed with such methods, unless other conditions, ocular or general, may be present.

41. QUESTION:
    can you join the army if you have had laser eye surgery?
    Can't remember if i had lasik or lasek, does it matter?

    • ANSWER:
      Of course you can. I'm in now and the army is actually doing my lasik. Also you CAN be a pilot in th Army even with corrected vision as long as you have 20/20 they don't care if it takes glasses to get there.

42. QUESTION:
    I have an appt. scheduled for Epi-Lasek at the end of January?
    I am near-sighted -4.25 in both eyes and I have a 9-5 office job which entails I work on the computer and use e-mail all day long. I am not incredibly active, but I am choosing Epi-Lasek over Lasik because I don't like the idea of having a "flap" that can be dislodged for the rest of my life. I'm worried a kid would accidentally poke me in the eye or something with a "flap." However, I have heard it can take a week before you can see and with Epi-Lasek and I can only take a week off from work. Anyone have REAL experience with Epi-Lasek? Please give your real life experiences or friend's experiences. Not looking for news articles. What is the pain like with Epi-Lasek? How good were your results? Are you happy with Epi-Lasek or would you reccommend it?

    • ANSWER:
      My friend is a police officer ,and he had it done 5 years ago and was and is happy with the procedure ,I see him often and see has no regrets. He said they were professional and caring although they weren,t completely honest on the full cost.--good luck

43. QUESTION:
    How do you choose what type of laser eye surgery you should use?
    Laser eye surgery as in:
    - LASIK
    - ASLA
    - PKR
    - LASEK

    • ANSWER:
      It depends on your prescription and lifestyle. The doctor should go over your options after discussing these things with you and together you choose the best option for you.

44. QUESTION:
    What is the most common (well-known) type of laser eye surgery?
    I heard it was LASIK... or is it LASEK?? What's the difference?

    • ANSWER:
      LASIK is the more common type of laser eye surgery. The difference between the two..

      LASIK - a corneal flap is cut (either with a microkeratome blade or a laser called INTRALASE - depends on what technology the center offers). The flap is then lifted to do the laser treatment. After the laser treatment, the flap is then placed back down and most patients are good to go home. After a nap (a few hours), patients notice a difference right away. Recovery time =1 day

      LASEK - is recommended for patients who have thinner corneas, or whose corneas are too flat or too steep. A corneal flap is still created with a finer blade (called a trephine). Then the surgeon covers the eye with solution (mixture of alcohol and water) for about 30 seconds - this causes the epithelium to loosen. The surgeon then lifts the epithelial flap and does the laser treatment and replaces the flap. After this type of surgery the doctor usually places a bandage contact lens in the eye to protect it and it is worn for 3-5 days. You may experience some discomfort (tearing/burning like when cutting onions, or it may feel like there is something in the eye grainy/sand type). Vision will not be clear right away it may take 4-10 days.

45. QUESTION:
    Considering laser eye surgery?
    I'm considering laser eye surgery but confused about all the options out there. I've been to a consultation, but I always get scared and back out when I see the possible complications.

    I am short sighted (-3.00) and usually wear accuvue contact lenses or, for the computer, some glasses.

    My question is: Optical Express, Optimax or Accuvision?
    Lasik, Lasek or Wavefront?
    I want value for money, but more important is for it to work the first time, to last and for it to be as pain free as possible.

    Has anyone had laser eye surgery here? Any advice most appreciated!

    • ANSWER:
      Ive been to optimax in finchley road. I only had a consultation but they were very good, i also saw a guy there who had just had it done and he said it was the best thing he ever did. The possibility of something going wrong is very remote. Both lasik and lasek are safe but the optician will advise you whihc is best according to the health of your eyes.

46. QUESTION:
    Are there any significant long-term complications associated with LASEK?
    I've heard about some serious problems associated with LASIK eye surgery, but I can't find much information about the complications of LASEK. I am aware of the risk of glare at night, dry eyes, etc., within the first few months, but haven't heard much about anything that lasts indefinitely. Can LASEK sometimes have serious long-term side effects like LASIK, or is it a much safer option? Any personal experiences with LASEK would be greatly appreciated.

    (To be clear, LASIK is the surgery that involves cutting a deeper corneal flap which is put back in place after surgery, whereas LASEK involves removing only the outer epithelial layer and covering with a protective lens after surgery. Please only answer regarding LASEK.)

    • ANSWER:
      Most of the complications from LASIK come from not leaving enough corneal thickness after the procedure. The remaining thickness after the surgery is calculated by subtracting the thickness of the flap and the amount of cornea removed from the thickness of the original cornea. In LASEK, the thickness of the flap is much less. However if you started with a thin or weak cornea or had to remove a lot of tissue because of a strong prescription, you could get some of the same bad results as with LASIK.

47. QUESTION:
    LASEK/PRK costs in Melbourne?
    Anyone able to provide me updated costs for 2011, for me to get PRK / LASEK done in Melbourne? Im unable to find any new or recent info on how much it would cost for me to get the surgery done on both eyes. Also note, its only PRK or LASEK that I have to do and NOT LASIK.
    Would it then be possible to provide me with a very rough or broad price range to be expected. Am I close in assuming a bill between 2-3k per eye?

    • ANSWER:
      I believe every laser clinic bases prices on the persons prescription and the complexity of what has to be done so there is no set price anyone can quote.

      There must be more than one clinic in Melbourne, so they would all have their own prices also.

      For info like you want, the only way is to do it yourself by phone or visiting them for the info you need.

48. QUESTION:
    LASEK or PRK in the military?
    I am not joining the military until after college but I am getting LASEK or PRK surgery this week just because contacts are expensive and my parents have offered to pay for me to have my surgery at one of the most experienced and highest quality surgeons in the state of Texas so I'm definitely taking them up on it. I have already ruled out LASIK as it can disqualify you from some jobs (combat diver, some special forces, etc.) and when I talked to my recruiter they said they prefer PRK just because they know it works. From what my surgeon has said it seems LASEK is more advanced and generally yields better results which puts me in a little bit of a bind because the recruiter says PRK is preferred but the surgeon who is actually an expert with eyes says LASEK and that it is perfectly suitable for the military. All three types are accepted in the military but PRK, and LASEK to a lesser degree, are preferred it seems according to the Marines recruiter I talked to. Any advice between LASEK or PRK from former or current military members? The procedures seem fairly similar so it doesn't seem like a huge deal to me but I am qualified for both procedures so I am just trying to make the right choice and wouldn't mind hearing from someone's opinion in the military on which is better.

    • ANSWER:
      I would go with PRK. There is a significant difference between the two. With LASEK, the eye doesn't heal back like it will with PRK, and there is a chance when struck in the head that complications can arise. Basically the flap on the eye can become loose again, and another operation will be required to fix it.

      With PRK, the eye will eventually fully heal so you do not have to worry about getting hit in the head (except in the first few months while the eyes are healing). It does take longer for you to be back to 100% with PRK, but it is worth it in the long run.

      I'm in the Army, and the Army actually paid for my PRK surgery. It is one of the best things the Army has given me, lol. I had the surgery two years ago, and never had any issues with it, it was a total life changer.

49. QUESTION:
    How bad Lasek surgery pain? (The kind where there is not flap cut)?
    I've been told I have a thick enough cornea to do the regular LASIK procedure, but one of the doctors I saw will not perform the procedure because he believes LASEK is so much safer. I understand the difference between the 2, and the possible outcomes of both later on, and I'm leaning toward the LASEK because there are fewer risks involved short and long term- but just how much does it hurt those first few days? That's really whats scaring me away. If you had the LASEK procedure, please tell me what the pain was like that you experienced, was it worth it? Thanks so much!

    • ANSWER:

50. QUESTION:
    Can a person achieve 20/20 vision with astigmatism?
    Is lasik or lasek surgery best to treat astigmatism?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes, it is possible. My girlfriend had BAD astigmatism, and she just had LASIK. Not only did she achieve 20/20, her astigmatism was corrected.