LASEK is a somewhat newer variation of laser eye surgery that combines techniques from the more popular LASIK and PRK procedures. The acronym LASEK stands for laser epithelial keratomileusis. Its use is primarily geared for patients whose corneas are too thin or too flat for the more conventional LASIK procedure.
As opposed to LASIK, in LASEK eye surgery the outer layer of the eye is not cut with the microkeratome cutting tool to produce a flap. Instead, after the eye is numbed with eyedrops, a diluted alcohol solution is applied that allows softening of the epithelial or outer surface of the cornea. It can then be peeled back, and the eye is reshaped with the excimer laser as in more traditional forms of laser eye surgery. After the surgery, the epithelial flap is placed back on the eye and usually a soft contact lens is then appled to protect and promote healing.
The LASEK procedure avoids any possible complications with making the flap utilized in LASIK surgery. The major disadvantages are that vision recovery and healing are somewhat slower than in LASIK, but generally faster than PRK.
While LASEK eye surgery is a good alternative for some patients, the procedure is fairly new, and is not for everybody. Your eye surgeon will be able to determine if your eye surgery may best be accomplished with LASEK, or with other laser treatment.