Epi-LASIK Eye Surgery: How It Works

Epi-LASIK is a new laser eye surgery procedure that was developed to solve some of the potential problems with LASIK and LASEK. It is a kind of cross between the two, but differs in some key areas.

LASIK involves cutting a flap in the cornea, either with a sharp blade or a laser, with LASIK also comes the risk of cutting the fins too densely.

LASEK involves cutting the cornea of the outer layer, the epithelium, a thin sheet that maintains its hinge in the eye. This is done in Epi-LASIK, but the surgeon uses a blunt object, oscillating plastic sheet rather than LASEK leaf finer.

In addition, instead of alcohol is also used in LASEK to loosen the epithelial sheet, Epi-LASIK the surgeon uses the plastic sheet, called a separator epithelial sheet to separate the eye. This avoids the possibility of a reaction from the alcohol, which can kill epithelial cells.

Because it is more difficult to create the epithelial flap in the cornea with steep people (who have larger amounts of myopia), is the most appropriate procedure for people with less steep corneas (which has a low level of myopia).

After the epithelial flap is done, it was gently lifted and folded the way. A excimer laser is used, as in PRK or LASIK, to sculpt the cornea of the underlying tissue. Then the epithelial flap is put back into the eye with a kind of spatula. A special contact lens is placed in the eye to maintain the flap in place while re-epithelializes. Surgeons use a high Dk contact lenses for it, which means that it is highly permeable-oxygen. The contact lens protects the surface of the eye and allows epithelial cells to grow back properly.

If you have Epi-LASIK, it’s likely experience some pain, which is manageable with over-the-counter analgesics. The pain is reported with less than LASEK or PRK.

After Epi-LASIK

For on the third day after surgery reepitelización has occurred, so the doctor can afford to remove contact lenses.

Vision probably will not be perfect immediately: in three days many patients are 20/40 or 20/20 vision, but others require more time – perhaps three or six months – to reach its final outcome. Usually, people can drive in about a week after surgery.

These recovery times are significantly longer than with LASIK, which generally allows individuals to get a good view of that day until a couple of weeks later and to drive the day after.

As with laser eye surgery after Epi-LASIK is very important to follow its instructions exactly surgeon, because the quality of what gets final vision is affected by how well his corneas heal. Do not forget to use eye drops or other drugs that are prescribed, and do not miss any follow-up appointments.

Who can have Epi-LASIK

If you are considering LASIK, but your doctor says you need Epi-LASIK on the other hand, wonder why.

It is not for everyone, but many surgeons who perform Epi-LASIK believe it is a better option for some patients who probably will not do well with LASIK. These include people who have thin corneas, with not enough tissue for a good LASIK flap.

And those who have professions or hobbies that increase the likelihood of being beaten in the eye (as soldiers, policemen, boxers, and racquet sports enthusiasts) can find Epi-LASIK safer than LASIK because there is no risk that the flap is exit.

If you have Epi-LASIK, is likely to experience some discomfort after the procedure. This is generally manageable with over-the-counter analgesics. The discomfort after Epi-LASIK is apparently less than that experienced after the LASEK or PRK.