Q & A

• Q Why is there pain after LASEK surgery?

  LASEK surgery involves removing the surface layer of the cornea, called the epithelium. This layer needs time to regenerate, usually within 2 to 3 days, during which some temporary discomfort may occur. To protect the cornea while the epithelium regenerates, a therapeutic contact lens is used. Modern designs of the optical zone’s edge have made the procedure more comfortable, reducing pain significantly. Typically, pain is noticeable on the first day, decreases significantly by the second day, and is almost absent by the third day.

• Q What is "Two day LASEK" that is being advertised these days?

  "Two day LASEK" refers to advertising that promotes LASEK surgery with the claim that the corneal epithelium (surface layer) recovers quickly enough to allow for the removal of therapeutic contact lenses just two days after the procedure. There are various methods to accelerate epithelial healing, such as narrowing the optical zone, using autologous serum eye drops, or performing all-laser surgery. However, it's important to note that faster epithelial regeneration does not necessarily result in better surgical outcomes. The initially regenerated epithelium can be very fragile and irregular, so it's crucial to wait for the secondary epithelial regeneration to complete.
  
  Even if the epithelium appears to be healed and pain is absent, it's recommended to continue wearing therapeutic contact lenses for an additional 2 to 3 days. Narrowing the optical zone too much to speed up epithelial recovery can lead to increased night vision disturbances. At Jeju Samsung Eye Clinic, they take into account individual factors such as corneal thickness, degree of myopia and astigmatism, and age, to determine the appropriate optical zone width, which helps minimize night vision disturbances and reduces the likelihood of myopia recurrence.

• Q Is LASEK surgery a procedure where
  the cornea is burned and cut with an excimer laser?

  Some ophthalmologists online or on platforms like YouTube might describe LASEK as an outdated procedure where the cornea is burned and cut with an excimer laser, but this is incorrect. The term "excimer" is derived from the combination of "excited" and "dimer," and the excimer laser is classified as a "cold laser" because it operates without significant heat. This type of laser works by breaking molecular bonds rather than burning tissues. It is precise enough to cut tissues with a serrated effect, such as hair, without causing thermal damage.

• Q Is LASEK a 1st Generation surgery, and Smile LASIK 4, 5th Generation surgery?

  The idea of categorizing LASEK as a "1st generation" procedure and SMILE LASIK as "4th or 5th generation" is indeed a marketing strategy rather than a precise scientific classification. While newer technologies like SMILE LASIK offer different advantages, LASEK remains a well-established, safe, and effective method of vision correction. The suitability of each procedure depends on individual factors, and LASEK can still be the best choice for many patients.

• Q What is the biggest advantage and disadvantage of LASEK surgery?

  For LASEK surgery, the biggest advantage is its low risk of complications and the high clarity of vision achieved once healing is complete. The use of highly precise eye-tracking technology minimizes the risk of displacement or astigmatism errors even if the eye moves during the procedure.
  
  The main disadvantage is that the procedure involves removing the corneal surface, which means the corneal epithelium needs time to regenerate and heal. This process can take some time, and during this period, vision might be less clear and recovery may be somewhat uncomfortable.