Epi-Lasik: Risk, Procedure and After Surgery

Epi-Lasik stands for Epithelial Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis. This procedure is a product of evolution of laser eye surgery. It is an advance type of corneal surface ablation for refractive error corrections. Besides lowering the chance of having a dry eye syndrome, it also minimizes the possibility of flap complications and less pain involved in the patient. It was developed to resolve the potential problems and side effects encountered in both LASEK and Lasik. The potential risk for Lasik procedure is that it might cut out a thick cornea flap. While for LASEK, though only an epithelial flap is created, the risk lies on the fine blade used to cut out the cornea’s outer layer.

The Epi-Lasik Procedure is same as the procedure for LASEK. The difference lies on the type of blade used in separating the epithelium. The Epi-Lasik utilizes a blunt plastic blade referred to as the epithelial separator. This process will separate the sheet from eyes without the use of alcohol, unlike in LASEK. Hence, the possibility of any alcohol reaction which will lead to the killing of the epithelial cells is minimal. After the epithelial flap is created and folded out of the way, an Excimer laser is used to sculpt the underlying corneal tissue. The repositioning of the epithelial flap on the eye as in LASEK will conclude the procedure.

After the surgery, a contact lens which is very oxygen-permeable is put on the eye for a few days to fix the flap while it re-epithelializes. You cannot expect an instant perfect vision after the surgery. Some patients may take only three days for the desired result but some might require up to six months. It is advisable to follow the doctor’s instructions, medication and treatment after the surgery. The quality of your corrected vision depends very much on how well your cornea heals.

Some risks are involved in this procedure. The common complications may include over or under correction, visual acuity fluctuation, halo effect or starburst around light sources, off center vision, corneal haze, epithelial erosion and loss of epithelial flap.

Who is the best candidate for Epi-Lasik? This procedure is recommended for patients with thin corneas and has minimal tissue for a good Lasik flap. It is also a good alternative for patients who have occupations or hobbies that will pose a higher possibility of being hit in the eye such as soldiers, boxers and etc. This is because it eliminates the chance of having a displaced flap.

What Next? Digg It > Bookmark > Share This