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Laser eye surgery has transformed the lives of millions worldwide, offering freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Among the most common procedures are LASIK and LASEK — two similar but distinct methods of vision correction. Both reshape the cornea using laser technology, but they differ in how the corneal surface is treated.
LASEK, short for Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy, is often recommended for patients with thinner corneas, dry eyes, or lifestyles that make LASIK less suitable. Understanding the difference between LASEK and LASIK can help you make an informed decision about which option best fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
LASEK surgery provides precise, long-term vision correction for patients with thin corneas or dry eyes who may not qualify for LASIK.
LASEK is a type of laser eye surgery that corrects refractive errors such as short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. It was developed as a safer alternative to LASIK for patients with thin or irregular corneas.
During LASEK surgery, the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is loosened using a mild alcohol solution. The surgeon then reshapes the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser to correct vision. Afterward, the epithelium is repositioned and protected with a special contact lens to aid healing.
Because LASEK does not involve creating a corneal flap — unlike LASIK — it carries fewer risks for patients prone to eye trauma or dryness.
While both LASIK and LASEK achieve similar visual outcomes, they differ in surgical technique and recovery.
LASIK involves creating a thin flap in the cornea using a microkeratome or femtosecond laser. The laser then reshapes the cornea beneath this flap, which is repositioned afterward. Healing is quick and usually painless.
LASEK avoids cutting a flap. Instead, the epithelium is gently moved aside and replaced after laser treatment. This makes LASEK suitable for patients with thinner corneas or those who cannot undergo LASIK.
In short, LASIK offers faster recovery but slightly higher risks for certain patients. LASEK is gentler on the cornea but requires a longer healing period.
LASEK recovery time is typically longer than LASIK. While LASIK patients often experience clear vision within 24–48 hours, LASEK recovery can take several days to a few weeks.
In the first few days, patients may feel mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or watery eyes. Vision gradually improves as the epithelium heals. Full recovery and stable vision are usually achieved within two to four weeks, though some patients notice small fluctuations for several months.
LASEK recovery experience is manageable with prescribed eye drops and rest. Most people can return to work within five to seven days, depending on comfort and vision clarity.
Both LASEK and LASIK deliver excellent vision results — with LASEK offering a gentler, flap-free alternative and lasting clarity.
Proper aftercare is essential to ensure smooth healing and optimal vision results. After surgery, patients wear a protective contact lens for about three to five days while the corneal surface regenerates.
Doctors typically prescribe lubricating and antibiotic eye drops to prevent dryness and infection. During recovery, patients should:
Avoid rubbing or touching the eyes
Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from UV light
Avoid makeup, swimming, or heavy exercise for at least one week
Follow the full aftercare schedule recommended by the clinic
Following these guidelines significantly reduces the risk of irritation and promotes faster healing.
The cost of LASEK eye surgery in the UK varies by clinic, surgeon, and technology used. On average, LASEK surgery costs between £1,500 and £2,500 per eye, similar to or slightly lower than LASIK.
Prices can vary between regions, with London clinics typically charging more. While some clinics advertise lower prices, these may exclude aftercare visits or enhancement procedures. Always confirm that your quote includes consultation, surgery, post-op care, and medications.
Unlike LASIK, some clinics offer LASEK as a safer alternative for patients with thin corneas, without extra charges. Payment plans are also common, allowing patients to spread the cost over several months.
Turkey is the most popular destination for medical tourists. Low costs meet good quality here.
For many UK and Irish patients, having LASEK abroad — particularly in Turkey, Poland, or Hungary — offers the same high-quality care at a fraction of the price.
In Turkey, LASEK costs start from £700 to £1,000 per eye, including consultation, surgery, hotel stays, and transfers. Clinics in Istanbul and Antalya are equipped with the latest laser technology and experienced English-speaking ophthalmologists.
Patients choosing LASEK abroad often enjoy substantial savings while receiving comprehensive care in modern facilities. These clinics also perform LASIK, PRK, and other eye treatments, allowing surgeons to recommend the most suitable method for each case.
Travelling abroad for eye surgery requires careful planning. Patients should stay for a few days post-surgery for check-ups and early aftercare. Since standard travel insurance doesn’t cover surgical procedures, medical travel protection like Clinic Hunter Cover is essential.
This insurance provides peace of mind by covering unexpected complications, extended recovery, or changes to return flights. It ensures your laser eye surgery abroad remains both safe and stress-free.
LASEK is ideal for patients who:
Have thin or flat corneas
Engage in contact sports or activities where eye injury is possible
Have mild to moderate refractive errors
Experience dry eyes or have limited corneal tissue for LASIK
Prefer a flap-free laser surgery method
Your eye surgeon will perform corneal mapping and thickness measurements to determine whether LASEK or LASIK is best for your eyes.
Both LASEK and LASIK deliver excellent vision correction results. Over 90% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after LASEK. The main difference is the recovery timeline, not the final outcome.
LASEK-treated eyes remain stable for years, though natural ageing may eventually require reading glasses (presbyopia). The procedure permanently reshapes the cornea, so results are long-lasting.
When comparing LASEK vs LASIK price, costs are similar in most clinics, though LASIK may be slightly higher due to flap-creation technology. The choice between them should focus on medical suitability rather than cost alone.
Patients who travel abroad can save up to 60% on either procedure without compromising safety or results, provided they choose certified clinics with experienced surgeons.
Think your holiday insurance covers surgery abroad? Think again — learn why medical travel insurance is different.
LASEK eye surgery is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method of achieving clear vision — especially for those who are not ideal candidates for LASIK. Though recovery takes longer, the procedure offers the same visual results with lower risk for patients with thin corneas or active lifestyles.
With modern laser systems, highly skilled surgeons, and lower costs abroad — particularly in Turkey — LASEK is an accessible and reliable option for many patients. Always ensure your treatment is carried out by a licensed ophthalmologist and secure medical travel insurance like Clinic Hunter Cover for a smooth and protected experience.
Clear, stable vision is no longer a luxury — with LASEK, it’s a realistic and lasting achievement.
Klaudia began working at Clinic Hunter shortly after graduating from the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, and over the years, this role has become her greatest passion. She has gained valuable experience by supporting patients from around the world—mainly the UK, Scandinavia, and the US—while also building strong relationships with clinics in Poland, Hungary, and Turkey. Through live and online trainings, international medical tourism events, and internal courses, Klaudia has become a key member of the team, combining content creation, patient support, and clinic partnerships to help people access safe, effective treatment abroad.
by admin, on 11.08.25
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