LASEK - An Alternative to LASIK

LASEK - Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, Lancaster

Dr. Rabinowitz has dedicated his career to helping his patients with their vision correction needs. In addition to being a leading Los Angeles LASIK specialist, he is also highly skilled in performing LASEK surgery. Please read the paragraphs below to learn more about this form of laser vision correction surgery.

LASEK is an acronym for laser epithelial keratomilieusis as opposed to LASIK, which stands for - laser in-situ keratomilieusis. LASIK is one of the safest procedures there are. However, in LASIK, a microkeratome is used to create a flap with a high powered, high speed oscillating blade - the laser treatment is then performed in the corneal stroma i.e. underneath the flap.

With LASEK, there is no blade and as such no cutting. A well of alcohol is placed on the cornea; this loosens the cells that cause the top layer the epithelium to stick to the cornea. The epithelium is then lifted as one layer of the cornea, the laser treatment is then performed and this same layer of epithelium is placed back on the cornea.

Advantages of LASEK

No flap is cut so no flap complications such as microfolds which may cause visual distortion can occur.
Since the laser treatment involves the upper layers of the cornea, corneal strength is maintained, as such corneal ectasia which is a complication of LASIK needing a corneal transplant is unlikely to occur.
Since only the upper layers of the cornea are treated, corneal integrity is spared allowing more opportunities for safer enhancements, if necessary.

Disadvantages of LASEK

Slightly longer visual recovery
One eye is usually done at a time
Potential for mild discomfort following the procedure

Who is a good candidate for LASEK?

Individuals who are still worried about the potential complications of cutting a flap that occurs in LASIK
Patients who have thin corneas who would otherwise not be good candidates for LASIK
Patients with large pupils who would not be good candidates for LASIK, because in these patients larger treatment zones are required and LASEK allows more tissue to be spared in such patients
Patients with dry eyes who do not want their corneal nerves severed

INTACS

For vision enhancement without a laser beam, consider INTACS™ to treat mild myopia (-1 to -3D). This is a safe reversible alternative technology for those with mild corrections who do not want to take the risk of LASIK surgery.

INTACS distributed by Addition Technologies, involves the insertion of two plastic ring segments into the outer edges of the cornea. The ring segments exert enough pressure on the flexible cornea to change its shape. Different size ring segments are used to treat different degrees of myopia.

INTACS, unlike laser surgery, is a reversible procedure. If you aren't happy with the results, or if your vision changes, the implants can be surgically removed and/or replaced. Furthermore, INTACS leaves the center of the cornea - the most important part for clear vision - untouched.

Not every patient will be a good candidate for INTACS. The procedure is only effective for those with mild myopia (nearsightedness) and patients with Keratoconus.

After INTACS have been inserted, they require no maintenance. After the early post-operative period, the patient usually cannot feel them in the eye. In clinical studies, 74 percent of the patients achieved 20/20 vision and 97 percent achieved 20/40 vision or better one year after the procedure. For more information on INTACS click here.

Dr. Rabinowitz is proud to offer his patients a variety of vision correction surgeries to provide a customized treatment plan. He is also proud to offer LA IntraLase patients this blade-free method of corneal flap creation, in addition to helping Santa Clarita corneal transplants and Lancaster keratoconus patients.