Facts about LASEK
| Treatment Method: | Excimer eye laser |
|---|---|
| Suitable For: | people with refractive errors; individual suitability determined by a preliminary examination |
| Treatment Duration: | approx. 20–25 minutes for both eyes |
| Anesthesia: | local anesthetic eye drops |
| Clinic Stay: | outpatient |
| Aftercare: | follow-up examination the next day, removal of the bandage contact lens after 3–4 days, protection of the eyes from any contamination (water, sweat, etc.) for at least 1 week |
The proven eye laser method for patients with thin corneas
LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) is one of the oldest laser procedures but has been refined and modernized in recent years. This method is mainly used when, for anatomical reasons, SMILE or Femto-LASIK is not possible. LASEK is a surface-based laser procedure in which a thermal excimer laser is used to correct the diopter number on the cornea.
LASEK
Access to the refractive layer is achieved not with the laser, but by using an alcohol solution.
If due to insufficient corneal thickness, corneal scars, or a lower degree of refractive error no other laser eye treatment is advisable, LASEK is considered the optimal alternative. However, it should be noted that compared to ReLEx SMILE or Femto-LASIK, the healing process is significantly slower.
An alcoholic solution is used to loosen and gently move aside the top layer of the cornea. Afterwards, the excimer eye laser corrects the refractive error. The epithelium, which is then moved back into place, is fixed with a special contact lens for 3–5 days until it fully adheres again.
- no flap
- proven method
- possible with thin corneas
- recommended for full-contact sports
Procedure of a LASEK Treatment
We take your needs seriously!
Our team is here to support you throughout the entire treatment process and to take care of you.
1
Preliminary Examination
Thorough preliminary examination –
Am I suitable?
Every eye laser treatment is preceded by a thorough preliminary examination. During this, the physiology of your eye and your current refractive error are precisely assessed. In a detailed consultation, we then inform you about all treatment options including their respective chances and risks in detail. Suitability for eye laser treatment is determined very responsibly, taking your individual needs and conditions into account.
To avoid influencing the examination results, please refrain from wearing contact lenses before the preliminary examination: discontinue soft contact lenses at least 7 days before the exam, and hard contact lenses 3 weeks prior.
2
On the Day of Treatment
Preparation for the procedure
As you have already been informed during the preliminary examination, please avoid wearing contact lenses for 2 days before the treatment. On the day of the treatment, do not apply any cosmetic products such as creams or make-up around the eyes.
Start your day as usual and come to our clinic at the agreed appointment time. After being welcomed by our team, the treating doctor will calmly review all details with you once again. If you feel nervous, that is perfectly normal. Should you remain tense during the discussion, we will gladly provide a mild sedative upon request.
3
The Treatment
Optimizing your vision
After full clarification and preparation, you will be taken to the treatment room. Your eyes will be anesthetized locally by eye drops. To minimize eye movement during the procedure, a lid speculum is used, and the other eye is covered.
The eye laser treatment is performed lying down. Your only task is to relax and follow the staff’s instructions. Using an alcoholic solution, the top layer of the cornea is loosened and gently pushed aside. Then, the excimer laser corrects the refractive error and thus your vision. After the treatment, a special contact lens is placed on your eye for protection. This remains for about 4–5 days, depending on healing progress, and will be removed by our doctor.
4
After the Procedure
Seeing anew without glasses
After the operation, it is best to have someone you trust bring you home and to rest. Take it easy for the next few days.
The healing process is checked the very next day during a follow-up appointment. After another 3–4 days, we see you again to remove the protective contact lens.
The healing process after LASEK is noticeably slower than with other methods and may involve increased discomfort. We recommend not working for up to 2 weeks after the surgery. For at least 4 weeks, strenuous sports and contact with water should be strictly avoided. If the final check-up about one month after the surgery shows successful healing, you are free to resume all your usual activities.
Possible Risks
There is always some risk with any surgical treatment. However, responsible cooperation between doctor and patient can reduce these risks to a minimum.
In the case of LASEK, infection can occur but is usually prevented by strict sterility. If it occurs, it is treated with antibiotic eye drops.
In rare cases, the result may not be completely optimal after the first treatment. A second procedure can be performed if necessary to make the required correction.
Other rare risks include:
- Infections may occur but are rare if recommended post-operative care is followed (e.g., eye drops & follow-up visits).
- Very rarely, a deformation of the cornea (keratectasia) can develop. Special contact lenses, corneal cross-linking with UV light, or implantation of a stabilizing ring segment can help in such cases.
- In rare cases, a special type of scarring (haze) can occur.
Frequently Asked Questions about LASEK Eye Laser Surgery
When can you see clearly again after a LASEK treatment?
You can usually see clearly again about one week after the LASEK treatment. Up to the third month after the procedure, vision often fluctuates and then stabilizes gradually.
When is it allowed to drive again after a LASEK treatment?
Since the healing process after a LASEK treatment takes significantly longer than with other laser eye methods (Femto-LASIK, ReLEx SMILE), you will be unable to drive for about one week. During this time, you should not operate a vehicle.
When can you resume social and work activities after a LASEK treatment?
After LASEK eye laser surgery, it takes about one week before you are socially active again and can, for example, return to office work.
How long should you avoid sports after a LASEK treatment?
You should wait about one week before resuming sports or strenuous physical activities after a LASEK treatment.
When can you start wearing makeup again after a LASEK treatment?
To avoid interfering with the healing process and to prevent infections, you should not wear makeup around your eyes for at least 1 week after a LASEK treatment.
How much does a LASEK treatment cost?
In a personal consultation appointment, we will gladly provide you with a detailed cost estimate for your LASEK treatment at our eye clinics in Linz and Vienna.
CONTACT
Ophthalmology Clinic Linz
Weissenwolffstraße 13, 3rd Floor
4020 Linz
Office Hours
Phone Consultation Hours
MON, WED, THU 09:00 AM – 6:00 PM
TUE 09:00 AM - 4:00 PM
FRI 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Appointment Days
By appointment only
Ophthalmology Clinic Wien
Habsburgergasse 10, 4th Floor
1010 Wien