What is the difference between LASEK vs LASIK?

LASIK and LASEK are both effective laser eye surgeries, but they differ in how the cornea is treated and how quickly you recover. LASIK involves creating a flap for faster healing, while LASEK works on the surface of the eye and takes longer to recover from.

The best option depends on your eye health, corneal thickness, lifestyle, and visual goals - something your surgeon will help determine during a detailed consultation. If you are looking for LASIK in Adelaide, contact us at IVISION LASER to arrange a consultation to determine your suitability for this procedure, LASEK or suitable alternatives.

If you’re exploring laser eye surgery to reduce your reliance on glasses or contact lenses, you’ve likely come across both LASIK and LASEK. While the names sound similar, these are two distinct procedures with key differences in how they’re performed, who they’re suitable for, and what the recovery involves.

Choosing between LASIK vs LASEK isn’t simply about which one is “better”, it’s about which one is right for your eyes, lifestyle, and expectations as an individual. Each option has its own advantages, limitations, and ideal candidates.

In this article, we’ll explain how LASIK and LASEK differ, outline the pros and cons of each, compare recovery times and success rates, and help you understand which procedure may be most suitable for you. If you’re deciding between the two, this guide will give you the clarity you need to make a confident, informed choice.

How are LASIK and LASEK different?

Both LASIK and LASEK are types of laser eye surgery designed to reshape the cornea and correct common vision problems such as short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism¹https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery/lasik-vs-lasek. While the end goal is similar, the techniques used in each procedure differ in how the surface of the eye is treated.

In LASIK, a thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea using a femtosecond laser²https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery/lasik-vs-lasek. This flap is gently lifted to allow access to the underlying corneal tissue, which is then reshaped using an excimer laser³https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery/lasik-vs-lasek. The flap is then repositioned, where it naturally seals without the need for stitches⁴https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery/lasik-vs-lasek. Because the surface remains largely undisturbed, most patients recover within 24-48 hours.

Discomfort symptoms include: Discomfort or mild pain in your eyes, dry eyes, watery eyes, puffy eyelids, and light sensitivity. These typically subside within the first week. However, sometimes side effects persist for 3-6 months⁵ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery .

In LASEK, no flap is created. Instead, the very thin outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is loosened using an alcohol solution, moved aside, and the underlying cornea is reshaped with the laser⁶https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery/lasik-vs-lasek. The epithelium is then repositioned and protected with a bandage contact lens while it heals⁷https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery/lasik-vs-lasek. This technique is often used for patients with thinner corneas or those not suited to LASIK⁸https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12165712/.

Which is better - LASIK or LASEK?

There’s no single answer to which procedure is better as it depends entirely on the individual. LASIK is the more commonly performed procedurer⁹https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery/lasik-vs-lasek and is often preferred due to its faster recovery time and minimal discomfortr¹⁰https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery/lasik-vs-lasek. However, LASEK can be a safer alternative for those with thinner corneas, certain occupational requirements, or higher risks of eye trauma¹¹ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12165712/.

Visual outcomes are generally similar over the long term, which we’ll look at in detail later. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate option based on the shape, thickness, and health of your eyes, as well as your lifestyle and visual goals.

Pros and cons of LASIK vs LASEK

Both LASIK and LASEK have helped many people achieve clearer vision and reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, they offer different benefits depending on your eye health, occupation, and tolerance for recovery time.

Advantages of LASIK:

• Faster visual recovery - many patients return to work and daily activities within 24–48 hours¹²https://www.chuvision.com/lasik-minneapolis/time-off-work-for-lasik/
• Minimal discomfort follows in the immediate post-operative period. Sensations of gritty eyes, burning and itching are common as is blurry vision¹³ https://www.healthline.com/health/does-laser-eye-surgery-hurt
• These usually last through the first week after surgery¹⁴https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery/lasik-vs-lasek
• Proven safety record¹⁵ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery with widespread availability
• Suitable for a wide range of prescriptions, including for myopia and hyperopia¹⁶ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery.

Disadvantages of LASIK:

• Not suitable for people with thin or irregular corneas¹⁷ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/n/statpearls/article-35813/
• The corneal flap adds a very small risk (0.012%) of displacement,¹⁸https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about/pac-20384774¹⁹ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21550119/
• May not be suitable for certain professions (e.g. military or high-impact sports).

Advantages of LASEK:

• Suitable for patients with thinner corneas or mild corneal irregularities²⁰ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12165712/
• No permanent flap created, making it potentially safer for those at risk of eye trauma²¹ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12165712/
• Can be an alternative for those not eligible for LASIK.

Disadvantages of LASEK

• Healing is slower than with LASIK²² https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery/lasik-vs-lasek, and patients often experience more discomfort in the first few days²³ https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery/lasik-vs-lasek
• Vision may take longer to stabilise - sometimes up to a week or more²⁴https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-surgery-for-nearsightedness
• It’s also worth noting that LASEK, like any procedure, carries a small risk of side effects such as glare, halos, or dry eye, though these are often temporary, usually lasting for about a week but on rare occasions, may last 3 - 6 months post surgery²⁵ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery .

Who is suitable for LASIK or LASEK?

Not everyone is a candidate for every type of laser eye surgery. During your consultation, your eye surgeon will assess your overall eye health, corneal thickness, vision prescription, and lifestyle to determine which procedure is most appropriate.

Generally, LASIK is suitable for patients who:

• Are over 18 with a stable prescription²⁶ https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/prk-vs-lasik
• Have healthy eyes with no signs of active disease²⁷ https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/prk-vs-lasik
• Have sufficient corneal thickness to safely create a flap ²⁸ https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/prk-vs-lasik
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding ²⁹ https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/prk-vs-lasik.

LASEK may be recommended for patients who:

• Have thinner or flatter corneas³⁰https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery
• Are at higher risk of eye trauma (e.g. involved in contact sports or military roles) ³¹https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery
• Have mild surface irregularities or dry eye symptoms³² https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik
• Do not meet the safety requirements for LASIK³³ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery.

LASIK vs LASEK for astigmatism

Both LASIK and LASEK can be used to correct astigmatism, depending on the degree and shape of your cornea. LASIK is commonly used for mild to moderate astigmatism and offers quick recovery³⁴https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/lasik-for-astigmatism. However, if your cornea is too thin or irregular for a LASIK flap, LASEK may be the safer option³⁵ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik. Your surgeon will perform detailed scans of your eye to determine which method provides the best balance of safety and effectiveness.

When would LASEK be recommended instead of LASIK

LASEK is often recommended when LASIK isn’t advisable due to anatomical or lifestyle reasons³⁶ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21805-lasik-eye-surgery. This includes patients with thinner corneas, those working in high-risk environments, or individuals with specific eye surface concerns. LASEK removes the need for a corneal flap, which can be an advantage in cases where flap creation could compromise the structure of the eye.

Ultimately, the choice between LASIK and LASEK comes down to what’s safest and most suitable for your eyes, something that can only be confirmed through a thorough clinical assessment.

Recovery time: LASEK vs LASIK

Recovery time is one of the most noticeable differences between LASIK and LASEK. With LASIK, most patients experience improved vision within 24 to 48 hours and can return to many daily activities, including work, within a couple of day³⁷ https://www.chuvision.com/lasik-minneapolis/time-off-work-for-lasik/s. Full visual stability may take a few weeks, but the overall downtime is minimal³⁸ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery/about.

LASEK, on the other hand, has a slower healing process. Because the surface layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is temporarily removed, it takes longer to regenerate³⁹https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery/lasik-vs-lasek. Vision is usually blurry for several days, and it can take a week or more before functional vision returns⁴⁰https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery/lasik-vs-lasek. Full recovery may take several weeks, with gradual improvement over time⁴¹ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery.

Visual recovery and return to daily activities

With LASIK, patients can often return to work and resume light activities within two days⁴² https://www.chuvision.com/lasik-minneapolis/time-off-work-for-lasik/, though it’s recommended to avoid contact sports for at least a month, and eye makeup for at least two weeks⁴³ https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-should-i-expect-during-and-after-surgery . Vision typically continues to improve over the following days and weeks⁴⁴https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lasik-eye-surgery.

LASEK patients need to allow more time before resuming normal routines. Most people take around 5 to 7 days⁴⁵ https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery off work and are advised to rest more in the first few days while the epithelium heals⁴⁶ https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments. A protective contact lens is worn during this period to support comfort and healing⁴⁷ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12165712/.

Managing discomfort after each procedure

LASIK tends to involve minimal discomfort. Some patients report dry eyes or mild irritation, but this usually resolves with the use of lubricating eye drops⁴⁸https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12165712/ . Dry eye symptoms typically appear within one week after surgery and typically last a month, though may last six months to a year post-operatively in a few patients⁴⁹https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12165712/ . Light sensitivity may occur initially but improves in a few days to weeks, with most resolving within 3 -6 months⁵⁰ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/n/statpearls/article-35813/ .

LASEK generally involves more discomfort in the early stages⁵¹https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery/lasik-vs-lasek. Patients may experience stinging, watering, and light sensitivity for several days while the eye surface recovers⁵² https://www.healthline.com/health/does-laser-eye-surgery-hurt. Your surgeon may prescribe pain-relief eye drops or oral medication to manage this period⁵³ https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery. A bandage contact lens is also placed over the eye to reduce friction and protect the healing tissue⁵⁴ https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery.

While both procedures lead to excellent long-term outcomes (more on this next), the recovery experience is very different and it’s an important consideration when deciding which option is best for you.

Success rates and long-term outcomes

What is the success rate of LASEK?

LASEK has a strong track record of success, with clinical studies showing that the majority of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, particularly for mild to moderate prescriptions. A retrospective analysis published in 2008 found that 191 eyes maintained a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/20 after LASEK⁵⁵ https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2378310 . Another retrospective, single-masked, interventional study of 80 consecutive eyes found that 93% of LASEK eyes achieved UCVA of 20/40 or better; 62% achieved 20/20⁵⁶https://journals.lww.com/optvissci/abstract/2007/07000/lasek_versus_lasik_for_the_correction_of_moderate.17.aspx . As with any surgical procedure, outcomes depend on factors such as your original prescription, eye health, and how well you follow aftercare instructions.

Are results comparable between LASIK and LASEK?
Yes, long-term visual outcomes are generally very similar between LASIK and LASEK. Both procedures reshape the cornea with the same laser technology and aim to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. The key differences lie in the recovery time and how the surface of the eye is treated.

Choosing the right option with your surgeon

When deciding between LASIK and LASEK, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right option depends on your eye anatomy, vision prescription, personal preferences, and how quickly you’d like to return to your daily routine. While LASIK offers a faster recovery⁵⁷ https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/private/eye-conditions-and-treatments/laser-eye-surgery, LASEK can be a safer alternative for those with thinner corneas or certain occupational risks⁵⁸ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12165712/.

A detailed consultation with an experienced eye surgeon is essential. This assessment includes scans of your eyes, a review of your medical and vision history, and a discussion about your goals. Based on this information, your surgeon will recommend the procedure that offers the best balance of safety, effectiveness, and convenience for you.

How IVISION LASER can help you decide

At IVISION LASER, we take the time to understand your individual needs and guide you through your options clearly and honestly. Our team uses diagnostic technology and clinical expertise to assess your suitability for LASIK, LASEK, or other vision correction procedures.

If you're unsure which treatment is right for you, we’re here to help you make an informed decision with confidence. To get started, book a free assessment at IVISION LASER.