LASEK

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No Touch LASEK (laser sub-epithelial keratomileusis).

Range: +4D to -10D with up to 4D astigmatism.

In traditional LASEK, diluted alcohol is used to soften and remove the protective outer layer (the epithelium) from the central corneal surface, prior to wavefront excimer laser reshaping. In No Touch LASEK (also known as TRANSEPITHELIAL LASEK) the epithelium is removed directly by the excimer laser. The main advantage of No Touch LASEK laser eye surgery  is that less of the cornea is disturbed/removed during the surgery. As a result No Touch LASEK can be used in patients who have thin corneas, very high prescription, or certain corneal abnormalities, such as a mild form of keratoconus. Also patients who practice full contact  sports, are in the police or army, might be better suited to No Touch LASEK  because of the absence of a flap that could otherwise be disturbed following a  contact trauma.  Main disadvantage  is that there is more post-operative discomfort than LASIK (usually just a few days) and visual recovery is slower. During TRANS-EPITHELIAL LASEK once  the protective surface of the eye (the epithelium) is removed by the  excimer laser, then the same excimer laser ablates with micron precision the cornea beneath to reshape it and to eliminate the refractive error.

No Touch Lasek

No Touch Lasek

After No Touch LASEK an anti-scarring drug named Mitomycin C, is often applied to the corneal surface to reduce haze (loss of corneal clarity) and regression (corneal shape changes during healing, which can dilute the effect of treatment). A bandage contact lens is applied to protect the operated area for a few days whilst the epithelium heals. Eye drops are used to minimise discomfort, but patients experience approximately 3-5 days during which the eyes are relatively sore, light sensitive and watery. Visual clarity returns over the next few weeks while the new epithelium regenerates.

Both LASIK and LASEK procedures are safe, painless and highly effective, with over 99% of patients able to achieve driving standard of vision or better without glasses or contact lenses after one treatment. Most patients are able to return to work within 24-48 hours of treatment after LASIK; whilst with TRANS-EPITHELIAL LASEK it may take longer for the vision to stabilise. Whilst Visual recovery following No touch LASEK laser eye surgery is slower than after LASIK laser eye surgery, patients enjoy the same excellent level of vision once the eye has healed.

Although Visual recovery is slower after LASEK final results are identical for LASIK and TRANS-EPITHELIAL LASEK (No touch LASEK).  Ultimately, the goal of your consultation is to find out what is the best treatment for you and this is what we are good at. Offering you the optimal and most specific treatment for you and advising you accordingly.

I had been considering eye surgery for a number of years, and had a number of friends and colleagues who had great outcomes from LASIK. I went for a consultation at first with Optimax in Peterborough who were very good and very informative, but their consultant explained that I should have LASEK because I had thin corneas. I was initially interested in visiting Moorfields purely for a second opinion. The outcome and recommendation was the same, that LASEK would be a better option for my eyes for the long term, but during the consultation Mr Maurino explained that the procedure they operate is no-touch (including no alcohol) and involved a procedure which sounded lower risk. I found Mr Maurino to be very reassuring and worth the additional cost for a procedure where, particularly as it’s elective, I wanted to avoid any unnecessary risk. Mr Maurino and his team were very helpful with regards to the procedure, they eye care (drops) after surgery, and answered all of the questions I had.Today I have just returned from my 3-month follow up. My eyesight is excellent (given that I am not restricted by glasses, it is significantly better than it has been with specs for years). I could comfortably read the 6/4 line on the eye chart – the smallest lettering. I recommend Mr Maurino and his team.

Many thanks.

 LASEK patient 2015: AE London.