Laser correction by laser surgery

PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy)

Lasek (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis)

Both methods of treatment, PRK and Lasek, share the common feature that the correction is not carried out inside the cornea (as in Lasik or Femto-Lasik), but at the surface of the cornea. The most exterior cell layer (the epithelium) must first be detached and set aside. The PRK method was applied as early as 1987, while the Lasek method is a further development of PRK. Today, both procedure are used when the application of the Lasik or Femto-Lasik methods is not possible, for instance when the cornea is too thin.

PRK and Lasek – steps of the treatment
In PRK, the external layer of the epithelium is scratched off with a blunt spatula and discarded.

In LASEK, an alcohol solution is dribbled onto the corneal surface, the outermost epithelial layer is then loosened up and can be gently pushed aside.

In both methods, after the procedures described above, the correction of the visual defect itself is performed with the Excimer laser.

The cornea is reshaped exactly as in the Femto-Lasik or Lasik methods, using the Excimer laser and according to the defect present, which is thus corrected. You will find more information on the details of the operation and the subsequent healing phase under Operation.

Properties of PRK and Lasek in comparison to other laser treatments
- Good predictability within the domain of application
- Cicatrisation pain for some days after the treatment
- Recovery is longer than with the Lasik and Femto-Lasik methods
- The correction is performed on the exterior layers, not in the inside of the cornea
- Both methods may be indicated when the Lasik or Femto-Lasik methods cannot be applied,
for anatomical reasons
- Later corrections are possible, but more complex than with Lasik/Femto-Lasik

Range of possible corrections with the PRK and Lasek methods
PRK and LASEK are suitable for moderate myopia (up to ca.- 6.0 diopters).

Femto-Lasik Lasik PRK/Lasek

Laser correction Intraocular lenses FEMTO PHAKO (Laser-assisted crystalline surgery) Treatment of presbyopia: the KAMRA implant Cornea stabilization Techniques Operation Suitability for refractive surgery Risks Costs