[kale]

So I'm reading that LASEK still cuts a flap, just a thinner one than LASIK. It also appears to have a longer healing time than LASIK[0].

It does appear to have fewer complications with the flap, since it's a thinner one, and less chance of hazing.

[0]http://www.the-lasik-directory.com/lasik_lasek_chart.html

[amalag]

I did PRK which is the original procedure before LASIK because the thought of a flap is too scary for me. From what I understand PRK has better long term recovery but short term it takes more time.

People want LASIK for the convenience, almost no recovery time. With PRK I took 1 week off work and the next week was bad too. Then more discomfort for upto 6 months. After that it's great.

[ada1981]

LASEK actually dissolves the epithelium, which is a protective skin layer that regenerates vs. LASIK which cuts and then re-attaches a flap.