Epi-LASIK
How is Epi-LASIKperfomed?
An anesthetic eye drop is used to numb the surface of the eye. A fine corneal epithelial separator is used to create a thin epithelial flap on the surface of the eye. Your San Diego No-Cut LASIK surgeon (LASEK surgeon) carefully moves the flap off the treatment area using a fine, blunt instrument. The Star S4 AMO LASIK machine is used to re-shape the surface of the eye. The epithelial flap is replaced back in its original place. Antibiotic and Anti inflammatory eye drops are given. A bandage contact lens covers the ocular surface which usually heals within 3 to 10 days.
How is Epi-Lasik different from LASEK?
San Diego Epi-Lasik (San Diego No-Cut LASIK) is a very similar procedure to LASEK. The only differences are that with with LASEK there is no diluted alcohol solution used to loosen corneal epithelial cells; also the epithelial separating device is different between LASEK and Epi-LASIK (No-Cut LASIK). Some surgeons believe that not using alcolol helps the epithelial cells stay more healthy and heal more easily. However, there is little clinical evidence that shows either LASEK or Epi-Lasik heal more quickly or cause less discomfort than the PRK (explained elsewhere on this website).
How is Epi-Lasik different from LASIK and PRK?
Like LASEK, Epi-LASIK is a newer variation of the PRK. Epi-Lasik is similar to PRK in that it only changes the most superficial epithelial layer of the cornea prior to the application of the excimer laser. Your San Diego No-Cut LASIK surgeon, carefully lifts a very thin layer of epithelial cells from the surface of the eye prior to the laser treatment. This lifting of the flap is performed using an epithelial separating device. During PRK, this epithelial layer is not preserved. In Epi-LASIK, after the VISX Star S4 laser treatment, the thin epithelial-cell-only layer is placed back on the surface of the eye by our San Diego No-Cut LASIK surgon and covered by a bandage contact lens. Epi-LASIK healing-time is also about 3 to 10 days. Epi-Lasik, PRK, and LASEK are all different from LASIK which creates a thicker flap of corneal tissue using a microkeratome-blade or a femtosecond laser. Epi-LASIK, PRK and LASEK all take a longer time to heal as compared to LASIK which usually involves no discomfort and heals within a day or two.
Why should I choose No-Cut LASIK and not PRK?
The Epi-LASIK procedure and LASEK were both developed in order to decrease the discomfort involved in healing after the PRK. The thinking behind it was that if, instead of removing the epithelial corneal cells, we replaced them on the corneal surface; they will heal more quickly and cause less discomfort. In practice, however, these removed epithelial cells do not always re-attach and at times detach a few days after surgery. While some surgeons subjectively report getting less discomfort with Epi-LASIK and LASEK as compared to PRK,the no-cut LASIK San Diego surgeons of Laser-Vision have noticed that the healing time and discomfort with both surgeries is most frequently very manageable and not significantly different.
Why should I choose Epi-LASIK and not LASIK?
There are some patients who have corneas that are not suitable for LASIK. These patients may have evidence of corneal abnormalities or may have corneas that are too thin for creating a LASIK flap. In addition, for patients who have mild dry eyes, often LASIK is not as suitable compared to Epi-LASIK, LASEK, or PRK.
You will soon be able to contact the San Diego LaserVision Eye Center for an appointment to discuss San Diego Epi-Lasik (San Diego No-Cut LASIK). In the meantime, please be patient as this webpage is under construction and please use it as a source of accurate, up-to-date Epi-LASIK San Diego information.
