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Epi-LASIK
LASIK Orange County
Epi-LASIK is a laser vision correction technique that combines the advantages of PRK and LASIK and eliminates most of their disadvantages.
PRK uses alcohol to remove the surface epithelium (the thin layer of skin covering the front surface of the cornea). Then the surface of the eye is treated with the laser. After the procedure, a bandage contact lens is placed in the eye for 4 to 6 days while the epithelium slowly regenerates itself.
Traditional LASEK also uses alcohol to separate the epithelium, but with LASEK the epithelium is pushed aside during the laser treatment then repositioned over the cornea before the bandage contact lens is place on the eye.
In both PRK and LASEK, the use of alcohol kills the epithelial cells and causes mild to severe swelling of the cornea that results in discomfort, light sensitivity and a slower return to functional vision.
The epikeratome laser-assisted keratomileusis procedure, (Epi-LASIK) uses a unique microkeratome, called the epikeratome, to mechanically separate the epithelium to make a flap, similar to a traditional LASIK flap. Unlike LASIK, no sharp blades or knives are required. And unlike LASEK, no alcohol is required.
Advantages of Epi-LASIK
The epikeratome eliminates the need for the alcohol used in PRK and LASEK. Since alcohol is toxic to epithelial cells, removing the alcohol application from the procedure results in faster healing and less pain for patients.
The epikeratome produces a precise, reproducible separation of the epithelium. With Epi-LASIK, many of the flap complications of LASIK are reduced.
Epi-LASIK results in less post-operative haze. The epithelial flap may protect the bare surface of the stroma (the inner tissue of the cornea) after laser treatment and prevent the influx of inflammatory cells from tears.
Because the corneal nerves are not severed as with LASIK, there's a
lower risk of extended post-operative dry eye problems.
Epi-LASIK is often a better option than LASIK for those with thin corneas. With this procedure, approximately thirty-five percent less tissue is removed. That means that many patients who have thin corneas are now candidates for laser vision correction.
Epi-LASIK PROCEDURE
- Only the epithelium is separated
- The laser is centered and the ablation is performed
- The surface has been reshaped
- The epithelial flap is repositioned
Epi-LASIK is for those who:
- want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts
- are at least 18 years of age
- have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year
- have no health issues affecting their eyes
- have no signs of glaucoma or cataracts
What to expect on surgery day
You will arrive at the laser center about an hour prior to your procedure. Once you have been checked in you may be offered a sedative to help you relax. You will then be prepared for surgery. The area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape may be applied around your eye. Anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eyes; no injections or needles will be used. When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure.
Next, the epikeratome will be used to create a hinged epithelial sheet, which will be reflected onto a contact lens. During this process, you may feel a little pressure, but no pain. You will then be asked to look directly at a target light while the laser reshapes your cornea. The Excimer laser will be programmed with the information gathered in your pre-operative exam. The laser treatment will be completed in less than a minute or two, depending on the amount of correction needed. Then, the epithelial sheet will be replaced along with the contact lens.
Your vision will probably be a little blurry at first, so someone will need to drive you home. You should relax for the rest of the day. You may experience some discomfort for 12 to 24 hours, but this is usually alleviated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Some people experience sensitivity to light, and watering or swelling of their eyes for a few days following their procedure.
Realistic expectations:
The decision to have Epi-LASIK is an important one that only you can make. The goal of any refractive surgical procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire. The vast majority of our patients are extremely happy with their vision after Epi-LASIK and can do most activities without dependence on corrective lenses.
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