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PRK Lasek

13,560 Views • 01/17/24
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Educational only: videos on MedicalVideos.com are for general information and are not medical advice. Always consult your own doctor about your health.

In PRK the epithelium (top layer of the cornea) is scraped off and then the laser treatment is applied. A contact lens is used as a "bandage" to decrease discomfort. The epithelium then grows back over the bare area during the next few days.

In LASEK the epithelium is exposed to 20% alcohol which helps separate epithelium from the cornea. The epithelium is pushed to one side and laser treatment applied. The epithelial layer is replaced back onto the eye and held in place with a contact lens. The contact lens is then removed a few days later. LASEK is hence a "no knife"/flap operation.

Epi-Lasik is a similar procedure that uses a keratome like that used for Lasik, but engineered to only separate the epithelium. The epithelium is left on a hinge, laser treatment applied and flap replaced.

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This video in 30 seconds

The video explains PRK and LASEK laser eye procedures and how they differ in handling the corneal epithelium. It also describes Epi-LASIK as a similar procedure using a keratome to separate the epithelium on a hinge before laser treatment.

Key points

  • Explains PRK with epithelium scraped off before laser treatment
  • Explains LASEK with epithelium separated using alcohol and replaced after treatment
  • Covers use of a bandage contact lens in these procedures
  • Describes Epi-LASIK as a related hinged-epithelium procedure

Video Overview

This video presents “PRK Lasek” — In PRK the epithelium (top layer of the cornea) is scraped off and then the laser treatment is applied. A contact lens is used as a "bandage" to decrease discomfort. The epithelium then grows back over the bare area during the next few. Whether you are preparing for a procedure, studying the technique, or learning how a condition is assessed, the recording shows the process as it is performed in practice.

From our Ophthalmology collection: Eye examinations, cataract and LASIK surgery, retina procedures and common eye conditions explained by specialists. Browse all Ophthalmology videos →

Educational content only — not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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