LASEK Surgery for Near-Sightedness (Myopia): What to Expect

For many people with near-sightedness (myopia), laser eye surgery offers the chance for long-term visual freedom. You may already know about LASIK, the most famous form of laser surgery. But perhaps you’ve been told you’re not suitable for LASIK due to thin corneas, dry eyes, or other factors. That’s usually when people start asking about LASEK a procedure that has been helping near-sighted patients achieve clear vision for more than two decades.

But what exactly is LASEK? How does it work for myopia? Is it painful? How long does recovery take? And most importantly what results can you actually expect? In this article, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about LASEK for near-sightedness. Whether you’re mildly short-sighted or have a higher prescription, I’ll explain how the procedure works, how it compares to LASIK, what your recovery looks like, and why LASEK may be the better choice for certain patients. My goal is to help you feel informed, confident, and clear about whether this treatment aligns with your vision goals.

Let’s start with the basics.

What Is Myopia (Near-Sightedness)?

If you’re reading this, you probably already know what near-sightedness feels like. But understanding how your eyes create blurry distance vision makes it easier to understand how LASEK corrects it.

Myopia happens when:

  • your eye is too long
  • your cornea is too curved
  • or a combination of both

Because of this, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. That’s why distant objects look blurry, while close objects often remain sharp.

Common symptoms include:

  • difficulty seeing road signs
  • blurry whiteboards or screens from a distance
  • eye strain
  • headaches
  • squinting
  • reliance on glasses or lenses for driving, studying, or sports

Myopia is extremely common, affecting billions worldwide. The good news is that LASEK can correct it very effectively often with results comparable to LASIK.

What Is LASEK and How Does It Work?

LASEK stands for Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy. It’s a type of surface laser treatment that reshapes your cornea to improve how light focuses inside your eye.

If you’ve heard of PRK, LASEK is a close variation of it. The key difference between LASEK and LASIK is what happens to the corneal epithelium the thin outer skin of your eye.

In LASIK:
A flap is cut in the cornea, lifted, the laser reshapes the underlying tissue, and the flap is placed back.

In LASEK:

No flap is created. Instead:

  1. An alcohol solution softens the epithelium.
  2. The epithelium is gently moved aside as a thin sheet.
  3. The laser reshapes the corneal surface to correct your prescription.
  4. The epithelium is repositioned.
  5. A protective contact lens is placed on the eye during healing.

By avoiding a corneal flap, LASEK preserves more structural corneal strength, making it ideal for many people who aren’t good candidates for LASIK.

Why LASEK Is a Popular Option for Treating Myopia

Many patients choose LASEK instead of LASIK for reasons relating to safety, suitability, and long-term stability.

Here are some of the main benefits that make LASEK appealing, especially for near-sighted users.

LASEK Removes Less Tissue Than LASIK
This is one of the biggest reasons LASEK is recommended for myopia especially if your corneas are slightly thinner than average. LASIK requires extra tissue removal to create the flap. LASEK does not.

By preserving more corneal structure, LASEK:

  • reduces the risk of corneal weakening
  • helps maintain long-term stability
  • makes the procedure safer for thin corneas

LASEK Reduces the Risk of Flap Complications

Because no flap is created:

  • no risk of flap dislodgement
  • no risk of flap wrinkling
  • safer for people in contact sports
  • safer for military personnel and athletes
  • fewer restrictions after healing

This is especially relevant for near-sighted patients who want the convenience of active lifestyles without worrying about long-term flap sensitivity.

LASEK Is Excellent for Patients With Dry Eyes
Near-sighted people often struggle with dryness, especially if they wear contact lenses for years. LASIK disrupts corneal nerves during flap creation, which can worsen dryness. LASEK affects fewer nerves, making dryness less of a long-term issue.

Better Option for People with Thin or Flat Corneas
Even if your corneas aren’t “very thin,” they might still be too thin or too flat for LASIK. LASEK is the safer option.

Works Well for a Wide Range of Myopia

LASEK can treat:

  • mild myopia (around -1.00)
  • moderate myopia (around -3.00 to -6.00)
  • higher myopia depending on corneal thickness

How LASEK Corrects Near-Sightedness

The laser reshapes the curvature of your cornea so that light focuses correctly on your retina. For myopia, the laser flattens the central cornea. This lowers its focusing power, shifting the focal point back onto the retina.

What this means for you:

  • clearer distance vision
  • reduced reliance on glasses
  • improved visual comfort
  • reduced eye strain

If you’ve been using glasses or contact lenses for years, experiencing clear vision without them can be life-changing.

Who Is a Good Candidate for LASEK for Myopia?

You may be suitable for LASEK if you:

  • are 18 or older
  • have a stable prescription
  • have healthy eyes
  • have thin corneas
  • have dry eyes
  • have an active lifestyle
  • want a flap-free procedure
  • have mild to moderate myopia
  • have the right corneal thickness and shape
  • do not have keratoconus or corneal instability

Your suitability is decided using advanced diagnostic tests, which I’ll explain later.

Who Is NOT a Good Candidate?

LASEK may not be right for you if you:

  • have irregular corneal shape
  • have keratoconus
  • have very high myopia
  • have active eye infections
  • are pregnant
  • have autoimmune conditions affecting healing
  • have extremely thin corneas below a safe threshold

For these cases, alternatives may be better, such as PRK, SMILE, or ICL.

What to Expect on the Day of Your LASEK Procedure

Knowing what happens on the day of your surgery can help reduce anxiety.

Here’s a simple walk-through.

Pre-Surgery Checks
Your surgeon reviews your scans and confirms your suitability.

Numbing Drops Applied
These keep your eyes comfortable throughout.

The Epithelium Is Loosened
Alcohol is applied for 20–30 seconds to soften the top layer of the cornea.

The Laser Reshapes Your Cornea
This part takes seconds. You’ll hear clicking sounds and may notice flashing lights.

Epithelium Repositioned
It’s placed back over the treated area.

A Bandage Contact Lens Is Applied
This protects your eye as it heals.

You Go Home the Same Day
Someone will need to drive you home.

The entire procedure usually takes about 15–20 minutes per eye.

Does LASEK Hurt?

The procedure itself is painless due to numbing drops.

However, LASEK recovery is more uncomfortable than LASIK.

You may experience:

  • gritty sensation
  • light sensitivity
  • mild pain
  • watering
  • blurry vision
  • burning sensation

These symptoms typically improve within 3–5 days.

LASIK has faster recovery, but LASEK is safer in many cases.

Recovery Timeline: What You Should Expect

LASEK recovery is slower than LASIK, but steady and predictable.

Here’s a breakdown:

Day 1–3: Discomfort and Light Sensitivity

This is the most uncomfortable stage.

You’ll need:

  • sunglasses
  • time away from bright screens
  • prescribed eye drops
  • rest

Day 3–5: Bandage Lens Removal
Once your surgeon removes the lens, comfort usually improves rapidly.

Week 1–2: Early Vision Improvement
Your vision becomes more stable. You may still need glasses for certain tasks.

Week 3–6: Clearer, Crisper Vision
The epithelium continues healing.  Vision becomes sharper and more predictable.

3 Months: Final Vision
Most patients reach their best vision by this point.

6–12 Months: Long-Term Results
Your corneal shape stabilises completely.

LASEK results can be excellent, even if the journey takes longer.

Results: How Well Does LASEK Work for Myopia?

LASEK provides excellent long-term results for most near-sighted people.

You can expect:

  • clear distance vision
  • reduced lens dependence
  • improved night vision
  • stable results
  • long-term safety

Success rates are high:

  • 95–98% achieve 20/20 or similar
  • Most are satisfied with vision quality
  • Many achieve even sharper results with customised laser settings

LASEK outcomes are just as good as LASIK only the recovery differs.

Comparing LASEK vs LASIK for Myopia

Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the differences.

LASIK

  • Fast recovery
  • Immediate vision improvement
  • Less discomfort
  • Not suitable for thin corneas
  • Weaker long-term stability
  • Dry eye risk is higher
  • Flap complications possible

LASEK

  • No flap
  • Safer for thin corneas
  • Long-term corneal stability
  • Good for dry eyes
  • Excellent for active lifestyles
  • Slower recovery
  • More discomfort early on

Ultimately, the safest procedure is the one that suits your eyes not the one with the fastest recovery.

Why LASEK May Be Better Than LASIK for Some Near-Sighted Patients

If you have any of the following conditions, LASEK may be the safer choice:

  • thin corneas
  • dry eyes
  • higher myopia
  • flat corneas
  • large pupils
  • family history of keratoconus
  • active lifestyle or contact sports
  • concerns about flap complications

Many people who think LASIK is the only option later learn that LASEK provides excellent long-term stability and safety for their situation.

How Surgeons Determine Whether You Are Suitable for LASEK

To decide whether you qualify, your surgeon performs detailed scans, including:

Corneal topography: Shows the cornea’s shape.

Corneal tomography: Shows deeper structural layers.

Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness.

Wavefront analysis: Measures visual distortions.

Tear film assessment: Checks dryness.

Pupil size measurement: Important for night vision.

Prescription stability: Ensures your eyes are not still changing.

Together, these scans give a full picture of your suitability.

What Prescriptions Can LASEK Correct?

LASEK can correct:

  • mild myopia (-1.00 to -3.00)
  • moderate myopia (-3.00 to -6.00)
  • higher myopia depending on corneal thickness
  • astigmatism in many cases

If your prescription is extremely high, alternatives like ICL may be better.

Possible Side Effects and Risks

Although LASEK is very safe, it still involves potential risks.

Temporary side effects include:

  • dryness
  • glare
  • halos
  • light sensitivity
  • blurry vision
  • discomfort

More serious risks (rare):

  • infection
  • inflammation
  • prolonged haze
  • undercorrection or overcorrection
  • slow epithelial healing

With proper aftercare, most patients recover without issues.

Alternatives If You Are Not Suitable for LASEK

If LASEK is not suitable, you still have excellent options.

PRK: Similar to LASEK but without repositioning the epithelium. Good alternative for thin corneas.

SMILE: Flapless, fast recovery, excellent for mild to moderate myopia. Requires adequate corneal thickness.

ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens): Best for high myopia or thin corneas. Does not remove tissue. Reversible, safe, and long-lasting.

Modern Contact Lenses: High-quality options for non-surgical correction.

FAQs:

  1. Is LASEK suitable for all degrees of near-sightedness?
    LASEK can treat a wide range of myopia, from mild to moderate and, in some cases, higher prescriptions depending on the thickness and shape of the cornea. Patients with mild myopia generally experience rapid improvement in distance vision, while those with moderate or higher prescriptions may see more gradual results. Extremely high myopia may require alternative treatments, such as implantable collamer lenses (ICL), to achieve optimal vision safely. Your surgeon will assess your corneal thickness, prescription stability, and overall eye health to determine the safest approach.
  2. How does LASEK compare with LASIK in terms of safety?
    LASEK is considered safer than LASIK for patients with thinner corneas or those prone to dry eyes because it does not involve cutting a corneal flap. The procedure preserves more of the cornea’s structural integrity and affects fewer corneal nerves, which reduces the likelihood of long-term dryness and flap-related complications. While LASIK may offer faster recovery and less initial discomfort, LASEK provides long-term corneal stability, making it a better option for individuals whose eyes are not ideally suited to LASIK.
  3. Will LASEK be painful during or after the procedure?
    The procedure itself is painless due to the use of numbing drops, which ensure patient comfort throughout. However, recovery can be more uncomfortable compared with LASIK. Patients commonly experience a gritty sensation, mild pain, light sensitivity, watering, and blurry vision for the first few days. Discomfort typically peaks in the first three days and gradually improves, with most patients reporting significant comfort once the protective contact lens is removed around day three to five.
  4. How long does it take to recover from LASEK?
    LASEK recovery is slower than LASIK because the epithelium, which is repositioned during surgery, needs time to heal. Usable vision is often noticeable within one to two weeks, though clarity continues to improve for several weeks. Most patients achieve their best vision by around three months, with full corneal stabilization occurring between six to twelve months. During the initial recovery, patients are advised to protect their eyes from bright light and avoid strenuous activities that could disrupt the healing process.
  5. Can LASEK correct astigmatism as well as myopia?
    Yes, LASEK can correct certain levels of astigmatism in addition to myopia. The procedure reshapes the corneal surface so that light focuses correctly on the retina, which can address both nearsightedness and irregular corneal curvature caused by astigmatism. The degree of correction achievable depends on the patient’s prescription, corneal thickness, and overall eye health. Your surgeon will evaluate whether LASEK can fully address your astigmatic error or if an alternative treatment is better suited.
  6. Are there any long-term side effects of LASEK?
    Long-term complications are rare, but patients may experience temporary dryness, glare, or halos during the first few months. Most of these issues resolve as the cornea heals completely. Serious risks, such as infection, prolonged haze, undercorrection, or overcorrection, are uncommon when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon. Proper follow-up care and adherence to prescribed post-operative eye drops and protective measures help minimise the likelihood of any lasting problems.
  7. How do surgeons determine if LASEK is the best option for my eyes?
    Surgeons assess suitability by combining multiple diagnostic tests, including corneal topography to analyse shape, corneal tomography to assess structural integrity, pachymetry to measure thickness, wavefront analysis for visual quality, and tear film evaluation to identify dry eye issues. They also consider prescription stability, pupil size, lifestyle, and overall eye health. Only when all factors indicate sufficient safety and effectiveness will LASEK be recommended over alternatives such as LASIK, PRK, SMILE, or ICL.
  8. Can LASEK worsen dry eye symptoms?
    LASEK is generally less likely to worsen dry eye than LASIK because it preserves more corneal nerves, which are important for tear production. While some patients may experience temporary dryness during the initial recovery period, this usually improves as the cornea heals. Patients with pre-existing dry eyes should have a thorough evaluation, and appropriate post-operative lubricating drops are typically recommended to maintain comfort and support healing.
  9. Is LASEK safe for athletes or people with active lifestyles?
    Yes, LASEK is often preferred for active individuals because it avoids creating a corneal flap, which can be dislodged or damaged in high-contact sports or vigorous activities. The absence of a flap also means fewer restrictions during the recovery phase, making LASEK a suitable option for military personnel, athletes, and others with physically demanding lifestyles. Patients should still follow their surgeon’s advice on recovery timelines to ensure safe and stable outcomes.
  10. What are the alternatives if LASEK is not suitable?
    If LASEK is not a viable option due to extremely thin corneas, irregular corneal shapes, or very high prescriptions, patients can explore several alternatives. PRK, a closely related surface laser procedure, may be safer for thin corneas, although recovery is slower. SMILE surgery offers a flapless laser option for mild to moderate myopia but requires adequate corneal thickness. Implantable collamer lenses (ICL) are ideal for high prescriptions or very thin corneas, as they do not remove corneal tissue and provide excellent long-term vision correction. For patients who prefer non-surgical approaches, modern contact lenses and glasses can also deliver high-quality vision with minimal risk.

Final Thought: Choosing the Safest Path to Clearer Vision

If you’ve lived with near-sightedness for years, choosing the right vision correction procedure can make a remarkable difference to your day-to-day comfort and clarity. LASEK offers a safe, effective alternative for people who may not be suitable for LASIK—particularly those with thin corneas, dry eyes, or active lifestyles. Although the recovery can take a little longer, the long-term stability and safety often make it an excellent choice for many patients.

If you’re exploring whether Lasek surgery in London could be the right solution for you, feel free to book a consultation with us at Eye Clinic London to discuss your personalised treatment plan.

References:

  1. Eskina, E., et al. (2022) ‘Visual Outcomes of Small-Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) in Thin Corneas’, Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(14): 4162. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/11/14/4162
  2. Margarit, D.A., et al. (2024) ‘One-Year Visual and Refractive Outcomes of SmartPulse® Trans-PRK for Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism’, Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(20): 6182. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/13/20/6182
  3. Damgaard, I.B., et al. (2018) ‘Review of Corneal Biomechanical Properties Following LASIK, SMILE and Surface Ablation: Implications for Refractive Surgery Risk Assessment’, Journal of Ophthalmology, 2018: 5162315. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6062908/
  4. Lalgudi, V.G., Shetty, R., Hossain, O., Sanjay, S., & Mukhopadhyay, C. (2021) ‘Corneal Biomechanical Assessment Following Laser Vision Correction: A Meta-analysis of Changes after LASIK, PRK, and SMILE’, International Ophthalmology, 41: 2251–2262. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8597506/
  5. Yu, Y., Zhou, X., Fu, D., & Zhao, Y. (2025) ‘Comparison of Corneal Biomechanics After SMILE, Surface Ablation, and LASIK in Thin Corneas’ [Retrospective Study]. Journal of Refractive Surgery. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397452237_Comparison_of_Corneal_Biomechanics_After_SMILE_versus_LASEK_in_Moderate_to_High_Myopia_with_Relatively_Thin_Corneas_A_Retrospective_Comparative_Study