Lasik Vs Lasek - Spelling Error Or Important Distinction In Laser Eye Surgery?
LASIK and LASEK are similar forms of laser eye surgery used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and (with special conditions) presbyopia. LASIK is an acronym for “Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis,” while LASEK stands for “Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratomileusis.” The reference to “sub-epithelial” in the second acronym provides a clue to the differences between these two surgeries.
Epithelium
In LASEK, the epithelium, or thinnest outer layer of the cornea, is cut not with the microkeratome cutting blade used in LASIK, but with a finer tool called a trephine. Both surgeries create a covering for the cornea, which can be put back in place at the end of the procedure. Because it uses a thinner cutting instrument, the LASEK procedure can create this covering from just the epithelium, whereas LASIK involves cutting into deeper layers of the cornea.
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