Understanding Epi-LASIK
Laser Eye Surgery
The Benefits, Risks and Procedure of Epi-LASIK Laser
Eye Surgery
The most advanced of the surgical eye procedures would be
the Epi-LASIK laser eye surgery, which combines the best of
traditional LASIK surgery with the best of the LASEK and PRK
laser procedures. The term Epi-LASIK means Epi stands for
Epithelial and LASIK stands for Laser in situ Keratomileusis.
Generally, this latest procedure involves gently separating
the epithelial from the top of the cornea with the use of
an epikeratome instead of slicing the top of the cornea and
creating a hinge as is the case with LASIK.
Well, you may ask who is suitable for the Epi-LASIK eye surgery.
The person has to be someone who has a very thin cornea and
who also has mild to moderate farsightedness, nearsightedness
or astigmatism. Just like any other types of laser eye surgery,
best vision is achieved by using laser beams to reshape the
cornea.
Benefits of Epi-LASIK laser eye surgery
The two major benefits of the Epi-LASIK procedure, which
are its quicker recovery time and the speed at which vision
is restored. Since the cornea is not cut with a microkeratome
(a sharp blade) the cornea does not have to heal. And due
to the fact that only a thin layer of the epithelial is separated,
it too has the ability to heal quickly. This type of procedure
eliminates the potential risks related to incorrectly cutting
the cornea, which in some cases can cause a number of vision
problems which includes a permanent loss of vision. There
also is less pain.
Risks of Epi-LASIK
Although no surgical procedure is without risk, proper candidate
screening which includes thorough diagnostic testing will
considerably reduce the risks associated with Epi-LASIK surgery.
The Procedure
Usually, the Epi-LASIK procedure takes only less than 10
minutes to complete. Anesthetic drops will be placed into
the eye to reduce the pain and discomfort. From there, the
epithelial must be moved off to the side so that the laser
will be able reach the intended target area.
Dedicated equipment is used to first stabilize the eye. Then,
the epithelium separator is used to make a pass across the
eye and flatten the cornea which makes it easier to separate
the epithelial. It is not separated entirely, rather it remains
attached in the middle instead of at one side as happens with
the LASIK procedure. A small spatula-type tool is then used
to move the flap out of the way.
The laser then starts emitting pulses of ultraviolet light,
which will quickly remove the excess tissue from the cornea.
As the laser pulses, the cornea will be reshaped. This will
be continued until the proper amount of excess tissue is removed,
as decided by the eye surgeon. When done, antibiotic drops
will be placed in the eye to protect against infection, and
a contact lens-like bandage is applied. Those opting for the
Epi-LASIK procedure can usually resume normal activity the
day after the procedure. Several follow-up visits are required
to monitor healing and vision.
You should carefully choose your Epi-LASIK eye surgeon. Discuss
the surgeon's experience with this type of procedure such
as the process and success rates. Also discuss the type of
care that will be provided during all stages: before, during
and after the procedure and associated costs.
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