LASEK vs. LASIK: What’s the Difference?

Although the cornea is an important part of eyesight, it’s not always perfectly shaped, resulting in refractive errors that can affect your vision. This is where LASIK and LASEK come in.

These laser eye surgeries can reshape the cornea with excimer lasers. They’re particularly effective at correcting refractive errors, including:

• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Astigmatism

Though they share similarities, these procedures have distinct differences that are important to understand. This article covers everything you need to know to determine whether LASIK or LASEK is best for you.

The Main Differences of LASIK vs. LASEK

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, while LASEK stands for laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy.

It takes only a few hours to a day to heal from LASIK. Most people have clear vision within hours after surgery.

On the other hand, LASEK combines the benefits of PRK and LASIK but is a more invasive procedure with a longer recovery period. It’s also better for people with thin corneas, as it doesn’t involve removing as much corneal tissue as LASIK.

Here is a table comparing the same aspects of both procedures:

	LASIK	LASEK
Surgery Complexity	Easier, less invasive, quicker recovery	More invasive, longer recovery
Treatment Length	10 minutes per eye, a quicker procedure	Around 30 minutes, slightly longer
Post-Operative Care	Faster recovery, clear vision immediately	Longer recovery, clear vision immediately
Candidacy	Not suitable for thin corneas	Suitable for thin corneas
Cost & Insurance	Typically not covered by insurance, costs vary	Same as LASIK, costs vary

What are the Success Rates of LASIK vs. LASEK?

Both LASIK and LASEK have high success rates and patient satisfaction:

• LASIK. Most people achieve a 20/40 vision or better, with many achieving a 20/20 vision. Over 90% of patients are satisfied with their outcomes.
• LASEK. Around 85 to 90% of people achieve 20/20 vision, with a similar percentage achieving 20/40 vision or better. But it might take longer to stabilize.

The effects of both procedures last forever. This is because the surgeon reshapes your cornea, physically removing the imperfections at the root of your refractive error.

However, because vision changes throughout life, you may still develop other refractive errors down the line, which can result in the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Pros and Cons of LASIK and LASEK

To further help your decision-making process, let’s compare the pros and cons of LASIK and LASEK. We also included the common side effects of both procedures.

	LASIK	LASEK
Key Benefits	Permanent solution for vision issues, fast healing, minimally invasive, mild discomfort resolves quickly, 20/40 vision or better, reduced risk of hazy vision	Permanent solution for vision issues, suitable for thin corneas, no risk of corneal flap issues, less dry eye risk, minimally invasive, safe
Cons	Flap complications require careful post-op care and higher trauma sensitivity before healing	Longer recovery, delayed vision clarity, and discomfort lasting several days
Common Side Effects	Dry eye (common), corneal flap complications, and risk of flap dislodgement from trauma	Dry eye (less common), night glare and halos, discomfort, and potentially hazy vision

If you experience side effects after your surgery, these are the recommended steps you should take to manage them:

• Follow your doctor's post-operative instructions carefully
• Use prescribed eye drops as directed
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Avoid rubbing your eyes
• Protect your eyes from sunlight
• Rest your eyes when needed

Recovery Times for LASIK and LASEK

Both LASEK and LASIK offer excellent outcomes, but their recovery timelines and potential side effects differ. 

One of the most significant distinctions between LASIK and LASEK lies in their recovery timelines.

• LASIK. Known for its rapid recovery. Most LASIK patients experience significant vision improvement within 24 to 48 hours. However, complete visual stability might take a few weeks or months.
• LASEK. LASEK involves a longer recovery period. Vision can stabilize in several days to a week, and full recovery might take several weeks. People often experience more discomfort during the initial healing phase.

Which Surgery Is Best for You?

LASIK and LASEK surgery are all great options for vision correction. The best surgery will depend on:

• Your corneal thickness
• Your eye health
• Your general health
• Your lifestyle
• Your age

Laser eye surgery is not for everyone. For example, you should not get eye surgery to correct your vision if you are under 18. There’s a chance that your eyes are still developing, which means your vision can change with time.

The best age to get eye surgery is between 20 and 40. This is after you have had a stable prescription for at least two years.

We encourage scheduling a consultation with a qualified eye surgeon to determine which surgery is best for you. They’ll make a recommendation based on your eye and general health status.