I'm considering going through LASEK and stumbled upon a modified version of LASEK where the cornea is cooled before/after surface ablation. Supposedly this helps in the healing process. Has anyone heard of this process and has it been offered/done for those have had LASEK done?

Here is some info I found:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10511934&query_hl=6&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.noorvision.com/weblog/archives/2004/09/intraoperative_5.html

http://www.meditec.zeiss.de/C125679E00525939/EmbedTitelIntern/MEL80_Step_by_Step_Manual/File/StepbyStepManual.pdf

they cooled my eyes after PRK was done.

I had CustomVue Lasik two days ago, and they cooled my corneas with cold water. I believe it was done before the flap was made.

Cooling the cornea before excimer laser surface ablation for PRK, LASEK, and Epi-Lasik has been shown to provide good results and is assumed to provide the patient with less discomfort.

Glenn Hagele
http://USAEyes.org

I am not a doctor.

I specialize in the LASEK procedure. I routinely use chill balanced salt solution during surgery, apply a frozen sponge to the surface of the cornea right after the laser, and recommend ice compresses for the first 48 hours. Patients very often take no pain meds, and rate discomfort as 1-2 out of 10. It works. Dr. Johnson (www.goflapless.com)