LASEK: An Alternative for Those Who Can't Have LASIK

Although LASIK is an effective and reliable procedure to correct vision difficulties, not all patients are eligible for the procedure. During your no-obligation preoperative evaluation, Dr. Barrett may inform you that you are not eligible for LASIK due to irregularities of corneal curvature or corneal thickness. In these cases, LASEK may be right for you.

LASEK is an equally safe and effective alternative to LASIK for many patients. LASEK is similar to LASIK in that an Excimer laser is used to create a new curvature on the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. However, LASEK does not rely upon the creation of a partial thickness corneal flap, as performed in LASIK. Instead, a special chemical treatment of the corneal surface (epithelial) cells is performed so they are loosened and peeled from the cornea, exposing the underlying surface. Excimer laser energy is then applied to the cornea and the surface cells are then repositioned.

LASEK recovery takes longer and is somewhat more uncomfortable than LASIK recovery, but once healed, patients enjoy excellent vision.

Intraocular Lens Insertion

The use of customized lens implants for the correction of nearsightedness and astigmatism will soon be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Once available, these 'inside-the-eye contact lenses' will offer a most interesting and exciting alternative to LASIK and LASEK.

Special biocompatible materials are used to create intraocular lenses, which can be placed inside the eye in a way that can potentially correct for vision difficulties such as nearsightedness. Unlike traditional contact lenses, these lenses will not have to be removed or exchanged. Instead, they are permanently situated inside the eye, behind the iris, where they can correct vision indefinitely.

Already in use in Mexico and in Europe, these procedures have helped thousands of patients to achieve glasses-free vision.

Dr. Barrett has already performed these 'inside-the-eye contact lens' procedures abroad and looks forward to offering this advanced technique of vision correction to patients once FDA-approved.