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Unmet Clinical Need in Keratoconus and Corneal Deformation
Strucrual Deformation in Keratoconus
Progressive corneal ectasia involves asymmetric steepening, localized thinning, and biomechanical instability, resulting in irregular astigmatism, higher-order aberrations, and progressive deterioration of visual quality.
Limitations of Current Treatment
Current management addresses different aspects of ectatic disease. Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is primarily intended to stabilize progression, while optical correction, intracorneal ring segments, and customized laser procedures may improve visual function or corneal regularity in selected eyes.
However, predictable restoration of asymmetric corneal geometry while simultaneously addressing refractive error remains a significant clinical challenge.
See how conventional PRK+CXL has a limitation in cases of keratoconus suspect and keratoconus
See how LAREK overcomes the limitation of conventional PRK+CXL
Principle of LAREK in Correction of Keratoconic Protrusion
LAREK (Laser Asymmetric Remodeling Keratectomy)
LAREK selectively ablates relatively thicker peripheral corneal tissue with the aim of redistributing the biomechanical effect of intraocular pressure (IOP) from a localized area of protrusion toward a broader peripheral corneal region.
Following this redistribution, the previously protruding area demonstrates flattening, while the surrounding corneal region undergoes a relative elevation, resulting in a more regularized overall corneal contour.
The proposed mechanism of LAREK is therefore based on IOP-mediated corneal remodeling: rather than directly opposing intraocular pressure, the procedure modifies corneal geometry so that the same intraocular pressure contributes to redistribution of corneal curvature and reduction of localized protrusion.
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LAK (Laser Asymmetric Keratectomy) represents the first-generation technique of WellC’s corneal remodeling technology.

LAREK (Laser Asymmetric Remodeling Keratectomy) is a corneal remodeling technique designed to address asymmetric corneal deformation while simultaneously correcting refractive error.
Clinical Experience In Korea
Daejeon Woori Eye Clinic has used LAK clinically since 2015 for the management of corneal irregularities associated with ocular surface dryness and refractive or visual abnormalities.
Since 2024, LAREK has also been applied to corneal remodeling and topographic normalization in patients with keratoconus.
Peer-Reviwed Publications
Management of Adverse Effects Following Laser Refractive Surgery
① Comparison between surgical Outcomes of LASIK with and without Laser Asymmetric Keratectomy to Avoid Conventional Laser Refractive Surgery Adverse Effects.
Scientific Reports, 2020
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② Comparison of outcomes of laser refractive surgery (LRS) alone and LRS with laser asymmetric keratectomy in patients with myopia.
Medicine, 2021
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③ A Novel Approach to Enhancement Linked Laser Asymmetric Keratectomy Using Semi-Cylindrical Ablation Pattern in Patients with Myopic Regression After Laser Refractive Surgery.
Clinical Ophthalmology, 2021
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④ Early Postoperative Topographic Changes after Laser Asymmetric Keratectomy for the Management of Adverse Effects after Photorefractive Keratectomy.
Journal of Ophthalmology, 2021
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⑤ Clinical Outcomes of Laser Asymmetric Keratectomy to Manage Postoperative Adverse Effects—A Retrospective Clinical Trial.
Open Ophthalmology Journal, 2021
Management of Adverse Effects Following Presbyopia-Correcting Procedures
⑥ Laser asymmetric ablation method to improve corneal shape.
Lasers in Medical Science, 2019
Corneal Remodeling in Keratoconus / Keratoconus Suspect
⑦ A novel approach for corneal remodeling of laser asymmetric keratectomy with collagen cross linking in patients with keratoconus suspect.
TOOPHTJ, 2024
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⑧ A novel corneal remodeling technique of laser asymmetric keratectomy in keratoconus suspect: A retrospective case control study.
Clinical Ophthalmology, 2024
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⑨ Corneal remodeling of laser asymmetric keratectomy combined with collagen cross linking in patients with keratoconus suspect.
J Ophthalmol Open Access, 2024

⑩ Corneal remodeling using laser asymmetric keratectomy in patients with keratoconus suspect.
J. Clin. Med., 2025

⑪ Changes in corneal symmetry and tear film stability after laser asymmetric keratectomy in patients with keratoconus suspect: A retrospective study.
Medicine, 2025
In order for the corneal shape to stay perpendicular(horizontal) from the visual axis, the corneal thickness must be symmetric.
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Excerpt from 'Laser asymmetric ablation method to improve corneal shape' 
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Patents
Integrated corneal photoablation system for correction of both shape error and curvature error.

10-1581834     2015.12.24 KOR
15-543567    2020.03.24 US
2015-80077578     2020.06.19 China
Certifications

EN ISO 13485:2016     No.820606
Certification of Medical Device     E08010.01 (2)
GMP     KTR-ABBA-17917
World-Clas Product of Korea    2023-331
New Excellent Technology     No. 185



Blurred Vision, Burning Eyes: This is a Lasik Success?


Some patients who undergo the eye surgery report a variety of side effects. They may persist for years, studies show.



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By Roni Caryn Rabin 2018.06.11