Epi-LASIK Laser Eye Surgery

Epi-LASIK stands for EPIthelial LASIK laser eye surgery and is a procedure that was developed in order to address issues that were plaguing the LASIK and the LASEK methods. The Epi-LASIK surgery is sort of a hybrid of the two methods in some critical areas.

During the LASIK method, when the flap is being cut with a sharp blade or with a laser, there is a risk of cutting the flap thicker than optimal. In the LASEK method, the epithelial skin is also cut as thinly as possible. The hinge of the flap is retained on the eye. This is also done in the Epi-LASIK method although a blunt plastic oscillating blade is used instead of the finer blades used in the LASEK methods.

An epithelial separator is used to separate the epithelial sheet from the eye in the Epi-LASIK method. The LASEK method uses alcohol to loosen the flap. The Epi-LASIK method will reduce the risks of adverse reactions with the alcohol. The alcohol could kill the epithelial cells and you don’t want that happening.

For people with steep corneas, creating the epithelial flap could be a problem. This makes the Epi-LASIK method ideal for people with corneas that aren’t too steep. For people with mild myopia, the EPI-LASIK method is ideal.

When the epithelial flap has been cut properly, it is lifted and it is folded back in order to give space to work on the cornea beneath it. An excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea’s tissue underneath. This epithelial flap is put back into place with spatula-type equipment. Special contact lenses are placed on the eye in order to keep it in place during the healing period. These lenses are used for protection and to aid in the healing of the epithelial cells. With Epi-LASIK surgery, you will experience pain although this can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. PRK and LASEK procedures are less painful although they are more at risk to infections and inflammations.

What happens after the Epi-LASIK surgery?

You may be allowed to remove the contact lenses after the third day of surgery although you will have to get permission from your doctor. Your vision will not be perfect right away although patients have been reported to have twenty forty and even twenty-twenty vision in three to six months. You should be able to drive after a week from the surgery.

The recovery times are much longer with the LASIK method but it gives people better vision on the day of the surgery up to a few weeks ahead. They will be able to drive after a week.

Just like any laser eye surgery, you should follow your surgeon’s advice diligently. The Epi-LASIK method is great but you should do your part especially during the healing and recovery stages. The final result of your vision is dependent on the way your eye heals.

Who are the suitable candidates for an EPI-LASIK surgery?

The Epi-LASIK surgery is not meant for everyone although it may be a better option for those people who aren’t going to be fit for a LASIK surgery. People with thin corneas and people without enough tissue for a flap should consider an Epi-LASIK surgery instead of a LASIK surgery.

Those who are in professions that put their eyes at risk of a trauma should consider Epi-LASIK instead of a LASIK surgery. This concerns people in law enforcement, boxers, and athletes. The Epi-LASIK surgery is much safer because there is no risk of flaps being dislodged.

Those who go through the Epi-LASIK surgery are likely to experience discomfort after the surgery. You can manage this discomfort using over-the-counter painkillers. As compared to the PRK and LASEK surgeries, the Epi-LASIK surgery results in lesser discomfort.

Epi-LASIK Surgery Guide:

LASER EYE SURGRY GUIDE

OTHER EYE SURGERY

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