EPI LASIK Surgery

The awesome Epi-Lasik surgery procedure

Epi-LASIK is short for epithelial laser in-situ keratomileusis, which is a very advanced form of corneal surgery and a variation of LASIK surgery. It is used to correct farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. This type of procedure brings together some of the best features from LASIK, PPK, as well as LASEK. Epi-LASIK is an outstanding surgery that can improve the vision with very little pain.

The Epi-LASIK surgery involves creating a very thin flap in the cornea with a microkeratome that is able to lift the epithelium from the under layers without actually cutting the surface as one must do in common LASEK procedures. Epi-LASIK is gentler and because it doesn’t require cutting, even those with very thin corneas are able to take advantage of the surgery where they may not be able to in LASIK procedures. Once the epithelial layer is removed from the cornea a laser remodels the cornea to provide better vision for the patient. Once the reshaping has taken place the epithelial flap is folded back down to its original position.

Many patients opt for the this type of eye surgery because it has proven to have far less complications than the common LASIK procedures because of the way the flap is cut. Patients having this procedure also experience a faster rate of recovery. Most see a return of normal or better vision in just three days as opposed to 5-7 days that most patients report with PPK, LASEK, or LASIK procedures. The Epi-LASIK procedure is also not painful, so patients do not deal with more pain for a faster healing time. Most patients report that there is very little or no pain, whereas there is moderate pain associated with the PPK procedure.

After the surgery a soft contact lens is usually worn to help the eye heal as well as to minimize any discomfort. Epi-LASIK surgery is an excellent choice for a good portion of the population, though the only people qualified to determine what type of advanced corneal ablation surgery you need is your eye doctor. If you believe you are a candidate for this type of eye surgery, discuss your options and the pros and cons of each procedure in relation to your specific eye conditions, with a qualified eye doctor.