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How EPI LASIK or LASEK is Performed

August 21st, 2008 at 02:25pm Under Main Content

Epi-LASIK is a laser procedure similar to PRK and LASIK. In epi-LASIK the surface “skin” of the cornea, the epithelium is treated with an alcohol solution to make its removal easier. With Epi-LASIK only the thin sheet of cells that cover the cornea are separated and lifted from the permanent structure of the cornea. Normally this thin sheet of cells is constantly replacing itself every few weeks. Epi-LASIK was performed with an automatically rotational epikeratome (KM-5000D). Epithelial separation was achieved mechanically without the use of alcohol.

With PRK, LASEK and again with Epi-LASIK, a thin soft bandage contact lens will be worn for several days after treatment to help with healing and minimize discomfort. Whereas with PRK there may be moderate discomfort for 1-2 days. Epi-LASIK , which is known medically as Epithelial Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis, is a type of corneal laser eye surgery called advanced -surface ablation-. Spector uses a specially designed, precise, -non-cutting- manner. This is done in Epi-LASIK too, but the surgeon uses a blunt, plastic oscillating blade instead of LASEK’s finer blade. Also, instead of the alcohol that’s used in LASEK to loosen the epithelial sheet, in Epi-LASIK the surgeon uses a plastic blade, called an epithelial separator, to separate the sheet from the eye.

LASIK allows patients to have surgery on a Friday and return to work on Monday with great vision and very little, if any, discomfort. Epi-LASIK on the other hand requires at least One Full Week of healing and visual recovery. It has been our experience that most patients recover functional vision within 3-5 days and the minimal discomfort (which include light sensitivity and foreign body sensation) lasts for 1-3 days. In Epi-LASIK, no alcohol solution is applied to loosen and remove the surface of the epithelium as in LASEK. Epi-LASIK is similar to LASEK in that it is a LASIK Eye Surgery procedure that can be used for patients who have thin corneas and might not otherwise be good candidates for ordinary LASIK due to dry eyes or large pupils. Many believe the ultra-thin epithelial flap created by the Epi-LASIK procedure provides the best visual outcomes for custom wavefront LASIK vision correction. Because there is no metal blade used to create the Epi-LASIK it can be called bladeless LASIK eye surgery.

Epi-LASIK is is often a better option than LASIK for those with thin corneas . With this procedure, approximately thirty-five percent less tissue is removed. To create the epithelial flap we have used the Gebauer Epitom. Although, it can take a few weeks to a few months for patients to fully reach their optimal vision, outcomes for LASIK, PRK, LASEK & Epi-LASIK are similar.

The Epi-LASIK procedure uses a unique microkeratome to mechanically separate the epithelium to make a flap, similar to a traditional LASIK flap. Unlike LASIK, no sharp blades or knives are required. Don’t be surprised if you hear people saying that Epi-LASIK and LASEK are the same surgery. And don’t be surprised if you hear people referring to the sheet of epithelium that’s lifted during LASEK and Epi-LASIK as a “flap.” It’s a different kind of “flap” than that used in traditional LASIK surgery, one with far fewer associated complications. The Amadeus II Microkeratome is the first and only system with an all-in-one handpiece designed to uniquely perform both LASIK and Epi-LASIK with full control over lamellar and epithelial flap parameters. Featuring computer-controlled, intelligent design, Amadeus II Microkeratome provides surgeons with the safety and confidence of voice-confirmation of instrument readiness, and maintains precise tissue parameters throughout the procedure.

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