ABSTRACT
Alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) are very similar procedures with a major difference being the preservation of the epithelial flap in LASEK. The postoperative management of LASEK patients is, therefore, not very different from PRK patients. Early on, the goal is to preserve the integrity of the epithelial flap, promote healing, reduce postoperative pain, and minimize complications. In later stages, the focus is on visual recovery, stabilization, and monitoring for development of haze. It is essential that the managing physician recognize the earliest signs of tight lens syndrome, anesthetic abuse, and infectious keratitis throughout the follow-up period to prevent the visually significant sequelae of these complications.
