Navigating Dry Eyes: Why LASEK is THE SAFEST CHOICE for Vision Correction
Dry eye syndrome can make everyday life challenging, and when it comes to corrective eye surgery, those challenges can be even more complex. If you’re living with dry eyes and considering vision correction surgery, you’ve likely heard of LASIK, SMILE, and LASEK procedures. However, for those with dry eyes, LASEK may offer significant advantages over LASIK and SMILE. Let’s dive into the reasons why.
Understanding LASIK, SMILE, and LASEK
Before we discuss the reasons why LASEK might be the best option, let’s quickly recap the basics of these three popular procedures.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) involves creating a flap in the cornea with a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. The underlying corneal tissue is then reshaped using an excimer laser to correct the vision. Afterward, the flap is repositioned.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a newer procedure that involves creating a small incision in the cornea. A lenticule (small disc of corneal tissue) is removed through this incision to reshape the cornea.
LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy), on the other hand, doesn’t involve the cutting of any flap as it simply requires the removal of the epithelial layer to access the cornea. The cornea is reshaped with an excimer laser, and then a soft contact lens is placed over the eye to aid healing.
Why Choose LASEK over LASIK or SMILE for Dry Eyes?
- Preserving Corneal Nerves: The creation of the corneal flap in LASIK and the small incision in SMILE can sever more corneal nerves, potentially reducing tear production and exacerbating dry eye symptoms. LASEK, however, only involves the surface layer of the cornea, preserving way more corneal nerves and helping to maintain normal tear production.
- Less Disruption to the Tear Film: The tear film, a thin layer of tears covering the surface of the eye, plays a crucial role in maintaining eye comfort and visual clarity. By disturbing the surface of the eye less than LASIK and SMILE, LASEK causes less disruption to the tear film, thus reducing the chance of exacerbating dry eye symptoms.
- Reduced Risk of Long-Term Dry Eye Symptoms: Some patients may experience an increase in dry eye symptoms after LASIK or SMILE due to changes in corneal nerves. Since LASEK is less invasive, it may reduce the risk of long-term dry eye complications.
Consult Your Eye Specialist
The best way to decide which procedure is right for you is to consult your eye specialist. Discuss your medical history, current eye health, lifestyle, and your expectations from the surgery. Your specialist can then guide you through the best options based on your unique circumstances. Again, as it wouldn’t be appropriate for Dr. Chynn to give you advice on your area of expertise based on some Google research, it isn’t medically appropriate to make your own decision without consulting a specialist such as Emil Chynn.
