Epi-LASIK
Epi-LASIK surgery, developed in Greece and having crossed the ocean only in the last few years, is similar to both LASEK and LASIK procedures. While it’s a slight variation, it’s yet another option for candidates with thin corneas.
Candidates for Epi-LASIK
This procedure can be applied for all the same people using LASIK surgery, but it is usually considered for people with thin corneas.
Pre-op Epi-LASIK
There are no differences between Epi-LASIK and LASIK for pre-op. If you wear contacts you should remove them days or weeks (depending on the contact lens) prior to the procedure. You should remove all makeup a few days earlier, too. And make sure to secure a driver to take you to and from the procedure.
Epi-LASIK Surgery – The procedure
The cornerstone to LASIK surgery is the cutting of the flap with a microkeratome. It is why some people with thinner corneas can’t use the procedure to clear up their vision issues.
With Epi-LASIK surgery and LASEK, the large flap is no longer an issue. However, Epi-LASIK and LASEK attack the problem differently. Epi-LASIK surgery uses a plastic blade to separate epithelium from the cornea without cutting. Meaning, they avoid the alcohol solution used in LASEK, which in rare cases can kill epithelial cells. After the flap is moved out of the way, an excimer laser is used to sculpt the corneal tissue. A “bandage” contact lens will be placed over your eye for protection.
Post Epi-LASIK Surgery
Recovery is much like its cousin LASEK. Expect to wear the contacts for 3-4 days, back to driving in a week and have full visual improvement in 3-6 months.
Also expect some discomfort, not as little as LASIK but possibly less than LASEK. Of course, if there is severe discomfort, contact your eye care professional immediately.
Epi-LASIK Advantages to Standard LASIK
- Epi-LASIK surgery is often performed on people with thinner corneas (too thin for the thick flap cut by LASIK’s microkeratome).
- The patient’s cornea isn’t weakened.
- No threat to the flap (the flap from LASIK can remain an issue for many years).
Epi-LASIK Surgery Disadvantages to Standard LASIK
- Some pain or discomfort after surgery – It shouldn’t be severe but the pain is likely to last a couple days.
- Longer vision recovery time than LASIK surgery –expect a couple weeks before full vision recovers.
- Protective contact lens should be worn for up to a week so that the surface of your eye can heal correctly.
- Longer use of topical drops – it could be three or four weeks before you can ditch the drops.
See below for more information.
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