LASEK in Northeast Pennsylvania

LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) is an alternative to LASIK eye surgery that is usually performed on patients whose corneas are too thin for LASIK. The LASEK procedure preserves the thin top layer of your cornea (called the “epithelium”) by removing it from the surface of your eye before applying the laser vision correction. Once the correction has been applied, the epithelium is replaced.

For more information about your laser vision correction options, please call Northeastern Eye Institute at 855-204-6888 today. Our eye doctors and staff serve patients throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA), including Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and other communities, from 15 convenient locations.

If your corneas are too thin or too steep for LASIK, our experienced eye surgeons can determine if LASEK or PRK would be a good alternative procedure for you. LASEK can provide you with the same great results as LASIK, but it does require a longer healing period. Many people who are not candidates for LASIK choose the Visian ICL for vision correction instead.

doctor checking eye
LASIK vs. LASEK vs. PRK
1

LASIK, LASEK, and PRK are all very similar vision correction procedures. In order to better understand what makes each one unique, it helps to see their fundamental differences side by side.

2

In LASIK, a flap is created in your cornea to allow the laser energy to be applied directly to the inner layer of your eye. The flap is then replaced and serves as a kind of natural bandage, allowing for fast healing.

3

LASEK also uses a corneal flap, but one that is much thinner than LASIK’s and only involves the epithelium (topmost layer).

4

In PRK, no flap is created at all. Instead, the laser energy is applied directly to your eye’s surface. The epithelium is completely removed during by the laser during this process, and eventually grows back on its own.

Schedule a consultation

Please contact Northeastern Eye Institute online or call us at our primary office in Scranton at (570) 342-3145 or toll-free at 855-204-6888 today to discuss your vision correction options in greater detail. Dr. Chris Jordan and Dr. Tom Boland, both Board Certified ophthalmologists and refractive surgeons, perform LASIK, LASEK and PRK. We serve patients in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, and throughout NEPA.

doctor and patient looking at tablet

Our LASEK Doctors

Dr. Christopher S. Jordan
M.D.
Dr. Thomas S. Boland
M.D.
LASEK Recovery

Recovering from LASEK is slower than LASIK recovery. Although the flap will heal in about a day, your eyes may feel irritated for a few days afterward, and it can often take up to a week before you see your final results. However, every patient heals differently, and studies have shown that LASEK is associated with quicker recovery of nerve function and sensation on the surface of your eye compared to LASIK. It may also result in less issues with dry eye syndrome.

If you have been told that you’re not a good candidate for LASIK, there are still several ways you can achieve excellent vision without dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The best way to find out if LASEK or another alternative is right for you is to come in for a personal consultation.

FAQs

LASIK is a procedure that reshapes your cornea with a laser in order to correct your vision. This procedure is highly effective at treating refractive vision errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

IntraLase-initiated LASIK uses the IntraLase Femtosecond laser to complete the first step of the LASIK procedure. This technology has significantly improved the safety and predictability of LASIK by replacing the hand-held oscillating microkeratome blade historically used in creating the corneal flap. The IntraLase laser has also been proven to provide for better than 20/20 visual outcomes, even among Custom/Wavefront patients. Today, the IntraLase laser is the technology of choice among the nation’s leading LASIK surgeons and ophthalmic teaching institutions.

Custom LASIK generally refers to individualized visual diagnosis with technology called “wavefront,” which allows for customized, personalized treatment with the excimer laser. Many LASIK surgeons combine Custom treatments and IntraLase. In fact, new data reveals that the IntraLase laser helps Custom LASIK deliver on its promise of better visual outcomes beyond 20/20 to 20/15 and 20/12.5.

Yes. LASIK is one of the safest surgical procedures performed, and it has an extremely high success rate. According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, 96% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better.

Clinical studies confirm that patients achieve better vision with IntraLase-initiated LASIK. Data shows:

  • More patients achieve 20/20 or better vision with IntraLase-initiated LASIK.
  • Patients stating a preference preferred the post-operative vision of their IntraLase-treated eye 3-to-1 over their blade-treated eye.
  • IntraLase creates fewer high- and low-order aberrations, associated with night glare and halos.
  • IntraLase patients have a reduced incidence of post-operative dry eye symptoms.
  • IntraLase patients required fewer enhancement procedures following LASIK.
  • The precision of the IntraLase flap significantly reduces the incidence of post-operative induced astigmatism as compared to a microkeratome-created flap.

Complications associated with LASIK are extremely rare. However, all surgical procedures are associated with some degree of risk and LASIK is no exception. Potential complications may include:

  • Dry eyes
  • Infection
  • Over or under correction
  • Glare and halos
  • Flap complications

It’s important to understand that by using the most advanced LASIK technology, you’ll significantly improve the predictability and accuracy of your procedure, making these risks highly unlikely to occur.

The procedure itself is painless. Patients may experience a slight pressure sensation during the procedure. Some patients may experience discomfort for a day or two following the procedure.

In order to conclusively determine whether you’re a LASIK candidate, you’ll need to undergo an evaluation with one of our ophthalmologists. But in general, candidates for LASIK:

  • Are over the age of 18
  • Have a stable vision prescription for at least one year prior to surgery
  • Have healthy corneas
  • Would like to correct a refractive vision error such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism
  • Have thick enough corneas to accommodate the creation of a LASIK flap

If our ophthalmologists determine that you’re not an ideal LASIK candidate, you will most likely be able to undergo an alternative procedure that will achieve comparable results.

Laser vision correction at Northeastern Eye Institute is very affordable. The price depends upon the procedure that our surgeon recommends. The price can start at $2,000 per eye. You can also take advantage of long-term patient financing or 0% financing. You will be provided further information about these financing options during your consultation. Financing is subject to credit approval.

LASIK SELF-TEST
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Glaucoma SELF-TEST
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Cataract SELF-TEST
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Dry eye SELF-TEST
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