Laser-Assisted in Situ Epithelial Keratomileusis
LASEK is a variation of LASIK surgery that involves the creation of a thin epithelial flap with an alcohol solution, rather than the thicker corneal flap created with a microkeratome during LASIK. After the creation of the flap, the laser eye surgeon uses the laser to remove the underlying corneal tissue much like LASIK and PRK. The flap is then replaced and smoothed over. This procedure is recommended for patients with thin corneas because it saves about 160 microns more tissue than LASIK.