Written by ID Eye Clinic
2025.02.20
As of 2019, the eyeglass and contact lens usage rate among Korean adults was reported to be 55.4%. South Korea is one of the countries with the highest eyeglass usage rates globally, with 96% of young adults being nearsighted. This indicates that a significant number of people experience vision deterioration and discomfort from wearing glasses or contact lenses. With the advancement of medicine and technology, more people are seeking freedom from the inconvenience of glasses and contact lenses by opting for various vision correction procedures. In the past, LASIK and LASEK were the most commonly discussed vision correction surgeries. However, in recent years, more advanced procedures like 2Day LASEK have gained increasing attention as innovative alternatives for vision correction. 2Day LASEK is a vision correction procedure that improves upon the shortcomings of traditional methods, leading to increasing interest in its cost, procedure, and overall benefits. Therefore, today, we will discuss the differences between 2Day LASEK and conventional vision correction surgeries, as well as its key features.
Unlike traditional LASEK, 2Day LASEK uses only lasers in the pre-correction phase to reshape vision. In conventional LASEK, the corneal epithelium is removed using a brush or alcohol, exposing the corneal stroma, where a laser is then applied to correct vision. It gained popularity because it is resistant to impact and does not create a corneal flap like LASIK, making it a viable option for individuals with thin corneas, high myopia, or astigmatism. However, compared to LASIK, the recovery period is longer, and the use of a brush and alcohol in traditional LASEK posed the risk of excessive corneal removal or damage. These factors could contribute to postoperative complications, leading to continuous efforts to improve the procedure. As a result, 2Day LASEK was developed as an enhanced alternative.
2Day LASEK utilizes advanced laser technology with high precision, which has been proven to reduce corneal epithelial damage by approximately 40% post-surgery. This has drawn significant attention as a breakthrough in vision correction procedures. With reduced tissue damage, the recovery period is shortened to around two days, which is considerably shorter compared to traditional LASEK. This makes 2Day LASEK an appealing option for individuals who previously hesitated due to long recovery times. Additionally, 2Day LASEK ensures a precisely smooth ablation surface, enhancing visual clarity while removing only the necessary amount of corneal tissue. This allows for minimal deviation from the original corneal thickness, effectively reducing the risk of complications associated with thin corneas.
It may be easier to understand by comparing 2Day LASEK with a similar concept, All-Laser LASEK. Like 2Day LASEK, All-Laser LASEK is a type of vision correction surgery that exclusively uses lasers throughout the entire procedure. By utilizing high-precision laser equipment, both procedures aim to achieve clearer vision while minimizing the risk of complications. At first glance, 2Day LASEK and All-Laser LASEK may seem similar, but the type of procedure applied can vary depending on the patient’s eye condition. - 2Day LASEK is primarily recommended for individuals with moderate myopia or lower and minimal astigmatism. It is performed using the Amaris Red laser system. - All-Laser LASEK, on the other hand, is more suitable for individuals with high myopia or significant astigmatism and is performed using the EX500 laser system.
It is nearly impossible for patients to accurately determine their level of high myopia, astigmatism, or other eye conditions on their own. This is why focusing solely on price when choosing a procedure is not advisable. Considering this, it is recommended to verify whether the clinic has a comprehensive and systematic examination process before making a decision.
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