Results of LASEK Eye Surgery
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Visual Acuity | The majority achieved within 0.5 dioptres of target refraction |
| Patient Satisfaction | High levels of satisfaction reported post-surgery |
| Accuracy | The majority achieved within 0.5 dioptres of target refraction |
Understanding the Success Rate of LASEK Eye Surgery
LASEK Results
LASEK eye surgery has been recognized for its effectiveness in correcting vision. LASEK results have been impressive and on par with LASIK. Most patients who undergo LASEK achieve 20/20 vision or better.
In a retrospective study evaluating LASEK and Epi-LASIK for myopia correction, four years after treatment, 95% of the eyes treated with LASEK achieved 20/25 or better final uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA)【source】. This underlines the procedure’s reliability in delivering clear vision.
LASEK Success Rates
A 2019 research paper examined the LASEK success rates of three different lasers from leading manufacturers. The WaveLight laser had the highest success rate for visual acuity, and that’s one reason that I personally use WaveLight excimer lasers.
See that all three lasers gave 20/20 vision or better. The average vision was better than the 20/16 line, one smaller on the chart than 20/20.
Patient Satisfaction and Experience
Patient satisfaction plays a crucial role in evaluating the success of LASEK eye surgery. Studies like the one by Hashemi et al., which compared LASEK and PRK for myopia correction, reported similar levels of patient satisfaction for both treatments【source】.
Such findings suggest that LASEK is on par with other established methods in terms of patient contentment.
Refractive Accuracy
The precision of LASEK in achieving the targeted refractive outcome is notable. A significant percentage of patients are within 0.5 dioptres of their target refraction post-surgery, indicating high accuracy. This aspect is crucial for patients aiming for a specific vision correction level.
Is LASEK Permanent?
Regarding long-term results, studies like the one conducted by Zhao et al. found no significant differences in visual and refractive outcomes between LASEK and LASIK for low to moderate myopia in mid and long-term follow-ups. This indicates that LASEK is a reliable option for long-term vision correction.
Side Notes on Studies
It’s important to reference multiple studies to provide a comprehensive view. For instance, Tobaigy et al. matched LASEK-treated eyes to LASIK-treated eyes, concluding that both procedures are safe and effective for low and moderate myopia.
For more insights into laser eye surgery and its various aspects, explore our detailed guide on LASEK eye surgery.
Comparative Analysis of LASEK Results
LASEK vs LASIK: A Closer Look
When comparing LASEK with LASIK, a popular alternative, it’s noteworthy that both techniques show no significant differences in long-term visual and refractive outcomes for low to moderate myopia.
Studies like the one conducted by Kaya et al. reported no statistical difference in uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and spherical and cylindrical refractive error between LASEK and LASIK groups for myopia of less than -6.0 D. This positions LASEK as a viable alternative to LASIK, especially for specific patient groups.
LASEK vs PRK: Which is better?
Comparing LASEK to PRK, another form of laser eye surgery, reveals interesting facets. Both procedures involve lifting the thin epithelium to access deeper corneal tissues.
However, LASEK preserves and then replaces the epithelial layer, while in PRK, the epithelium is completely removed, and a new layer grows back.
The vision outcomes between both procedures are identical, confirmed by this 2016 Cochrane research analysis.
The proportion of eyes with uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better at 12-month follow-up was comparable in LASEK and PRK groups
Li SM, Zhan S, Li SY, Peng XX, Hu J, Law HA, Wang NL. Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) versus photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for correction of myopia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Feb 22;2(2):CD009799.
How about patient satisfaction after LASEK and PRK? This 2015 clinical paper followed patients for 4-7 years after surgery and compared how happy they were with their vision and overall results.
Studies have shown that patients undergoing LASEK reported lower postoperative pain scores and corneal haze scores than those treated with PRK, though recovery times may vary【source】.
However, other studies contradict this and found that post-operative pain was similar with LASEK and PRK.
LASEK does create less corneal haze. However, LASEK’s use here has been replaced by the discovery that topical mitomycin C (MMC) at the time of surgery was better at preventing corneal haze. Most surgeons now perform PRK plus MMC instead of LASEK.
Have a question about LASEK? Get in touch today
Percentages Seeing 20/20 or Better
An important metric in evaluating LASEK’s success is the percentage of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better. In studies like the one by Hashemi et al., similar effectiveness and patient satisfaction were reported for LASEK and PRK in treating low to moderate myopia, with a high percentage of patients reaching this benchmark【source】.
Refractive Error Within 0.5 Dioptres of Target
The precision of LASEK in meeting the target refraction is evident. Most patients achieve refractive outcomes within 0.5 dioptres of their target, highlighting the procedure’s accuracy. This precision plays a crucial role in ensuring that patients attain the desired level of vision correction.
Discover more about the various options for vision correction by exploring our comprehensive overview of laser eye surgery treatments.
How Long Does LASEK Last?
Sustainability of Visual Results
One of the critical aspects of LASEK is the sustainability of the visual results achieved. Long-term studies, like the one conducted at Gazi University Medical School, have demonstrated that both LASEK and Epi-LASIK effectively correct myopia over an extended period.
With a mean follow-up duration of 45 months, the study observed that the grade of haze and mean grey scale value in confocal microscopy were similar in both groups at all postoperative periods, reinforcing the long-term efficacy of LASEK.
Safety Profile of LASEK
Regarding safety, LASEK shares similar risk profiles with other forms of laser eye surgery. While it avoids corneal flap-related risks of LASIK, it’s essential to consider specific LASEK-related complications.
In some cases, the thin epithelial flap created during LASEK may not be strong enough to be replaced, necessitating complete removal as in PRK. Recovery after LASEK, involving the use of an alcohol solution, can be slower due to tissue damage to epithelial cells【source】.
Patient-Specific Considerations
Every patient’s needs and conditions are unique, making it crucial for surgeons to evaluate individual characteristics such as cornea thickness, degree of myopia, and lifestyle factors.
For instance, individuals with high degrees of myopia or those involved in high-risk activities might find LASEK more suitable due to its technique and healing process【source】.
Study References and Research
Continued research and studies play a pivotal role in understanding and improving the outcomes of LASEK. It’s vital to reference and consider various studies to understand LASEK’s efficacy and safety comprehensively.
For example, the study by Tobaigy et al. matched LASEK-treated eyes with LASIK-treated eyes, valuable insights into the comparative safety and effectiveness of these procedures. Both LASIK and LASEK gave similar results.
Have a question about LASEK? Get in touch today
Summarising the Results of LASEK Eye Surgery
High Rates of 20/20 Vision Achievement
One of the most significant outcomes of LASEK eye surgery is the high rate of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better. Studies consistently report that a substantial proportion of patients reach this level of visual acuity, demonstrating LASEK’s effectiveness in providing clear and sharp vision.
Comparing LASEK with Other Laser Eye Surgeries
Compared to other laser eye surgeries like LASIK and PRK, LASEK holds its ground in effectiveness and patient satisfaction. While there are differences in the procedural approach, the end results regarding vision correction are mainly similar, making LASEK a viable option for those unsuitable for LASIK or PRK.
Emphasising the Accuracy of Refractive Correction
LASEK’s ability to accurately correct refractive errors is certainly on par with PRK and LASIK. Most patients treated for short-sight and astigmatism find their postoperative refractive outcomes within 0.5 dioptres of their target.
Long-Term Efficacy and Safety
Long-term studies underscore the sustained efficacy and safety of LASEK. Patients can expect stable vision correction over time, with a safety profile comparable to other types of laser eye surgeries.
Individual patient characteristics and specific needs should be considered when choosing LASEK.
FAQ Section
What is the success rate of LASEK in achieving 20/20 vision?
Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better post-LASEK, with studies reporting rates as high as 95%, even with very high prescriptions. See LASEK Results above.
How does LASEK compare to LASIK and PRK?
LASEK is comparable to LASIK and PRK in terms of effectiveness, safety, and patient satisfaction. The choice often depends on individual suitability and preference.
Is it normal for vision to fluctuate after LASEK?
It is common to experience fluctuating vision and a different level of vision from each eye during the first few days after LASIK. There will be smaller fluctuations in your eyesight during the first few weeks as the result steadily improves.
This is partly due to dryness and slow changes in the smoothness and thickness of the healing epithelial skin.
However, if your surgeon has examined your eye and confirmed the epithelial smoothness and integrity, these issues will likely improve during the healing process. Rest assured that the vision will continue to improve as you heal.
For most patients, vision is excellent by 2-3 months after LASEK.
Which laser gives the best LASEK results?
A recent research paper found that the WaveLight laser performed the best for LASEK. However, most modern lasers should all give very good LASEK results.
How long does it take to see after LASEK?
After the initial few days, the discomfort will start to fade away. However, you may experience slight blurriness and light sensitivity for three to seven days following LASEK. Over the upcoming weeks, your vision will gradually improve, allowing you to comfortably resume work approximately four to five days after the surgery.
What should I avoid after LASEK?
After LASIK, to prevent potential eye injuries, it is advisable to avoid engaging in physical activities that carry a risk. After undergoing surgery, it is recommended to refrain from exercising for at least one week.
Additionally, it is advisable to steer clear of dirty and dusty environments. When venturing outdoors, shield your eyes from direct sunlight by wearing sunglasses with appropriate UV protection.
What are the long-term effects of LASEK?
What are the potential risks associated with LASEK/PRK surgery? PRK may entail transient, short-term side effects that are unpleasant but temporary, including post-operative pain for several days.
In rare instances, there may be long-term risks associated with PRK, including over- or under-correction, vision regression, permanent dry eye, corneal haze, infection, scarring, and ectasia. Fortunately, these are now rare with modern technology and techniques.
The overall risk of a significant complication is around 1 in 10,000.
How many times can you do LASEK?
Lasik can be repeated, but undergoing more than three treatments can pose health risks and potentially exacerbate vision problems instead of resolving them. It’s important to consider the potential consequences and consult with a medical professional before proceeding.
How painful is LASEK recovery?
While pain is subjective, it is important to note that patients may experience varying degrees of discomfort following LASEK surgery. Our team is dedicated to assisting patients in preparing for this by providing anti-inflammatory eye drops, anaesthetic eye drops, and pain relief tablets to alleviate any discomfort during the recovery period.
- What level of refractive accuracy can be expected from LASEK?
- LASEK is highly accurate, with many patients achieving reactive outcomes within 0.5 degrees of their target.
- Is the visual improvement from LASEK long-lasting?
- Studies indicate that LASEK’s visual improvement is stable and long-lasting.
- What are the typical recovery times for LASEK?
- Recovery can vary, but initial visual recovery can take up to a week, with final outcomes visible from a few weeks to several months.
- Are there any unique risks associated with LASEK?
- While sharing risks with other laser eye surgeries, LASEK may have specific complications like slower recovery due to epithelial tissue handling.
To explore other eye treatment options and further understand eye health, visit our treatments page.
