Epi-LASIK surgery explanation

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 1:54 pm Post in Vision Surgery

As a new form of laser eye surgery, Epi-LASIK combines some features of both LASIK and LASEK and also addresses some visual problems that are beyond these two procedures. In general, Epi-LASIK differs in operation devices and eye parts.

LASIK creates a flap using a sharp blade or laser, which may bring too thick flap. While the flap cut by LASIK is in the cornea, Epi-LASIK cuts the cornea’s outer layer, the epithelium. This operation is just like that of LASEK. But LASEK and Epi-LASIK still differ in some aspects. LASEK uses a finer blade in cutting but Epi-LASIK takes use of a blunt, plastic blade. While LASEK gets help from alcohol in loosening the epithelial sheet, Epi-LASIK uses a plastic blade called epithelial separator.

The abandon of alcohol in Epi-LASIK is believed to reduce the reaction from the alcohol and avoid killing epithelial cells. Others still argue that the use of alcohol can improve quality of the flap and attached hinge. There are also further steps after the creation of flap. Folding out the flap, the surgeon uses an excimer laser to sculpt the underlying corneal tissue. Then a special contact lens will be placed on the recovered epithelial flap to maintain it stable during the epithelial re-growth.

In Epi-LASIK treatment, it is also important to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions. Corneal heal after the surgery is decisive in the visual outcome that can be achieved. The patient will be asked to use eye drops after the procedure and visit the doctor for additional exams. The contact lens can be removed after the re-epithelialization has occurred. For vision recovery, some patients can restore 20/20 vision within three days after the procedure, while others need longer periods even in three or six months. The recovery period of Epi-LASIK is mostly longer than that of LASIK.

Epi-LASIK also has its appropriate candidates. The creation of epithelial flap requires professional skills, so that Epi-LASIK is more suitable for low myopic people with less steep corneas. Patients with thin corneas have insufficient tissue for a good LASIK flap, which can also be addressed by Epi-LASIK. Soldiers, police officers, boxers and racquet sports enthusiasts are more likely to suffer hit in the eye. Eliminating flap dislodging, Epi-LASIK is safer for these people.