EPI-LASIK

What is Epi-LASIK?

Epi-LASIK (sometimes called Epi-LASEK) is an advanced method of refractive eye surgery. All refractive eye surgery reshapes the cornea of the eye and corrects vision by simply flattening or rounding the shape of the cornea. Doctors today use both warm and cool laser technologies to reshape the cornea on a primary basis.

The Epi-LASIK method corrects all of the most common conditions of the cornea that affect or reduces good vision - nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. Epi-LASIK or laser epithelial keratomileusis is a modified PRK procedure.

A thin flap of the epithelium surface tissue of the eye is loosened. Doctors today are using a microkeratome tool that allows them to fold the epithelium surface tissue aside. Using the newest in technology available, they are now able to move the epithelium without damaging it in any way. The use of an alcohol solution is no longer necessary. This procedure is necessary during Epi-LASIK treatments, and occurs before the refractive adjustments or reshaping of the cornea begins.

The Epi-LASIK procedure loosens only the epithelium layer of the eye before reshaping the cornea. Another common method is the LASIK procedure, which requires the surgeon to create a flap of both epithelium and a portion of the stromal tissue to expose the inner bed of the cornea in order to reshape the cornea. With the advent of better technologies and updated methods, refractive eye surgery procedures are being improved continually.

Epi-LASIK is the method of refractive eye surgery preferred most by doctors with results that are very similar to the LASIK method. With the use of the advanced Epi-LASIK method, undue risk avoided first for patients with thin corneas, large pupils, dry eyes, or eyes that are often at risk for professional or recreational injury is now available for an even greater number of patients without specific concerns other than safety.

Eye irritation is more common with Epi-LASIK, and recovery time is slightly longer. The Epi-LASIK refractive eye surgery method has proven to be a less risky procedure than the LASIK method that requires surgeons to work in an area deeper within the tissues of the cornea.

After surgery, patients wear a special bandage and soft contact lens for about 4 days, some up to 7 days, while the outside, epithelium layer of the cornea heals. This short time allows the good vision and multiple sight adjustments the patient expects from refractive eye surgery to emerge after healing from a procedure that protects their eyesight to the fullest.

An alternative to laser reshaping is also being achieved with the use of improved Intraocular lens technology or implantable lenses that correct vision in a number of ways without altering the cornea surface and can be removed in the future if necessary.