LASEK Eye Surgery: Procedure, Recovery Time, Risks & Cost

Studies show that surface laser procedures like LASEK and PRK can provide vision results and safety similar to LASIK, as long as patients are carefully evaluated and selected for surgery.

This guide explains how LASEK works, who it may help, what to expect during recovery, and how it compares to other types of laser eye surgery.

What Is LASEK Eye Surgery and How Does It Work?

LASEK is a type of surface ablation refractive surgery, which means it reshapes the surface of the cornea to improve vision.

Instead of cutting a corneal flap (as in LASIK), the surgeon:

Loosens the thin outer epithelial layer with diluted alcohol.
Gently moves it aside.
Uses an excimer laser to reshape the corneal tissue underneath.
Repositions the epithelial layer.
Places a protective bandage on a contact lens.

The laser treatment itself takes just a few seconds.

Reshaping the cornea with LASEK allows light to focus more accurately on the retina, which improves the clarity of your vision.

Since LASEK does not involve creating a deep corneal flap, more of the eye’s natural corneal structure is preserved.

LASEK vs LASIK vs PRK: What’s the Difference?

LASEK, LASIK, and PRK are all laser vision correction procedures. Each one reshapes the cornea to help light focus better on the retina. The main difference is how the cornea’s outer layer, the epithelium, is handled during surgery.

Knowing these differences can help you and your eye doctor choose the safest and most effective option for your eyes.

LASIK

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is the most commonly performed type of laser vision correction surgery.

During LASIK, the following steps happen:

A very thin flap is created on the surface of your cornea.
The surgeon gently lifts that flap to access the underlying corneal tissue.
A precise laser reshapes the cornea to correct your vision.
The flap is then carefully repositioned, where it naturally adheres as it heals.

Many people choose LASIK for these reasons:

Vision often improves quickly, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours.
Early discomfort is usually mild and short-lived.
Most people can return to work and normal activities within one or two days.

LASIK is not the best choice for everyone.

If your corneas are thin, a flap procedure may not be the safest choice.
If you play contact sports or have a higher risk of eye injury, your surgeon may recommend a flap-free procedure.

Because LASIK creates a permanent corneal flap, careful screening is needed to see if it is right for you.

PRK

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) was the first type of laser vision correction. It does not create a flap.

During PRK:

The epithelium is completely removed.
The laser reshapes the cornea.
The surface layer regenerates naturally over several days.

PRK usually involves the following:

Slower visual recovery compared to LASIK.
More early discomfort
No permanent flap

PRK is often recommended for people with thin corneas or for those who play contact sports.

LASEK

LASEK (laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy) is similar to PRK, but it preserves the epithelial layer.

During LASEK:

The epithelium is loosened using a diluted alcohol solution.
The surface layer is gently moved aside.
The laser reshapes the cornea.
The epithelium is repositioned.

LASEK offers these benefits:

No permanent corneal flap
A recovery time similar to PRK
An option for people with thin corneas

Which Procedure Is Best?

The best procedure depends on:

Corneal thickness
Prescription strength
Ocular surface health
Lifestyle and occupational risk factors

If your corneas are thin, your eye doctor may recommend LASEK or PRK instead of LASIK.

A full eye exam with tests to measure the shape and thickness of your cornea is needed to find out which laser procedure is safest for you.

Who Is a Good Candidate for LASEK?

You may be a good candidate for LASEK if you meet the following criteria:

Your prescription has been stable for 12+ months.
You have mild to moderate myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.
Your corneas are thinner than ideal for LASIK.
You participate in contact sports.
You want a flap-free procedure.

However, LASEK may not be recommended if you have any of the following conditions:

Keratoconus
Severe dry eye disease
Autoimmune disorders
Uncontrolled diabetes
Active eye infections
Pregnancy or breastfeeding

A comprehensive refractive evaluation includes:

Corneal topography
Pachymetry (corneal thickness measurement)
Tear film analysis
Pupil size measurement

It is important to note that these tests are essential, and reputable surgeons will not recommend surgery without them.

What Happens During LASEK Surgery?

The LASEK procedure usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes for each eye.

During the procedure, you can expect the following:

Be awake but numb (anesthetic drops are used)
Feel pressure but not pain.
Focus on a light during laser treatment.

After the procedure, you can expect the following:

A bandage contact lens protects the healing surface.
You go home the same day.
Your vision will be blurry at first as your eyes begin to heal.

LASEK is an outpatient procedure.

LASEK Recovery Time: What to Expect

One of the main differences between LASEK and LASIK is the recovery process.

Days 1–3

Burning or gritty sensation
Light sensitivity
Tearing
Blurry vision
Moderate discomfort

Most patients report discomfort peaking on the second day after surgery.

Day 4–5

Bandage lens removed
Surface healing improves
Vision still fluctuates

Week 1–2

Functional vision returns
Light sensitivity decreases

1–3 Months

Vision stabilizes
Final clarity achieved

Most people can return to desk work or other non-strenuous activities within 5 to 7 days after surgery.

It can take several weeks for your vision to become fully stable after LASEK.

Is LASEK Painful?

During surgery: No.

After surgery, it is normal to experience some discomfort for two to four days as your eyes heal.

This discomfort occurs because the corneal surface is regenerating.

Your surgeon typically prescribes:

Antibiotic drops
Anti-inflammatory drops
Lubricating drops
Pain control medication

Most patients describe the discomfort after LASEK as manageable, although it can be unpleasant for a few days.

LASEK Success Rate and Long-Term Results

Clinical data shows:

Over 90% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better.
Over 95% reach 20/40 or better (driving standard)
Results are long-lasting

According to long-term refractive surgery studies, surface ablation procedures such as LASEK demonstrate stability rates comparable to LASIK over 10+ years of follow-up in properly selected patients.

A small percentage of patients, especially those with higher prescriptions, may experience some regression of their vision correction over time.

If necessary, additional enhancement procedures can be performed to improve vision further.

It is important to note that LASEK does not prevent presbyopia, which is the age-related decline in reading vision that typically occurs after age 40.

Risks and Potential Complications of LASEK

As with any surgical procedure, LASEK does carry some risks.

Common temporary effects:

Dryness
Light sensitivity
Fluctuating vision
Mild corneal haze

Modern excimer laser platforms and improved post-operative steroid protocols have significantly reduced the incidence of visually significant corneal haze compared to early-generation surface procedures.

Less common:

Undercorrection or overcorrection
Regression

Rare:

Infection
Significant haze is affecting clarity.

The risk of complications is low when patients are thoroughly evaluated and selected appropriately for the procedure.

Proper post-surgery care helps reduce the risk of complications.

Advantages of LASEK

No corneal flap
Suitable for thinner corneas
Lower trauma risk for athletes
Strong long-term stability
Comparable success rates to LASIK

Disadvantages of LASEK

Slower recovery than LASIK
More early discomfort
Vision fluctuates during healing.

For individuals with thin corneas, the slower recovery and increased early discomfort are often considered acceptable trade-offs for the benefits LASEK provides.

How Much Does LASEK Cost?

In the United States, LASEK surgery typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000 per eye.

Because LASEK uses FDA-approved excimer laser technology, pricing often reflects both the technology platform and the surgeon’s refractive experience.

The exact price depends on several factors.

Costs can vary based on:

The surgeon’s experience and reputation
The type of laser technology used
Your geographic location
Whether pre-operative testing and post-operative visits are included

Keep in mind that refractive procedures like LASEK are considered elective. As a result, most health insurance plans do not cover them.

Many eye surgery centers offer payment plans or financing options to help spread out the cost. During your consultation, ask for a detailed breakdown so you understand exactly what is included in the quoted price.

Is LASEK Safer Than LASIK?

LASEK is not necessarily safer than LASIK for everyone, but it may be a safer choice for certain individuals, such as those with thin corneas or a higher risk of eye trauma.

For patients with thin corneas or trauma risk, LASEK avoids flap-related complications.

Large-scale data on refractive surgery show that both LASIK and LASEK are safe when performed by qualified surgeons.

The choice of procedure should be based on your eye anatomy and needs, not on advertising or marketing.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that flap-related complications are unique to LASIK and do not occur in surface ablation procedures such as PRK or LASEK.

Final Thoughts: Is LASEK Worth It?

LASEK may not be the most talked-about laser eye surgery today, and it doesn’t get the same attention as LASIK. But that doesn’t make it less relevant.

For the right patient, LASEK remains a well-established, clinically supported option.

It can be especially valuable because it:

Does not create a permanent corneal flap
Preserves more corneal tissue
Offers strong long-term stability, particularly in thinner corneas

The trade-off is recovery. Vision improvement after LASEK takes longer, and the first few days can be less comfortable than after LASIK. Patience is part of the process.

Ultimately, whether LASEK is “worth it” depends on your corneal thickness, prescription, lifestyle, and long-term goals. The decision should always come after a detailed refractive evaluation.

If you’re considering LASEK, schedule a comprehensive consultation with an experienced eye surgeon. A proper assessment of your corneal thickness, ocular surface health, and visual expectations is essential before choosing any refractive procedure.