The procedure : Numbing eye drops are applied to the eye to prevent
pain during the surgery. A specially designed microkeratome like
instrument is used in Epi Lasik to create a thin flap of corneal
epithelium. Once the flap is made, it is lifted and gently folded
out of the way. An eximer laser is used, as in Lasik or PRK, to
reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The flap is placed back on
the eye with a kind of a spatula. Then a special contact lens is
placed on the eye to keep the flap in place while it heals. Surgeons
use a high-Dk contact lens for this, which means it is very
oxygen-porous. The contact lens protects the surface of the eye and
allows the epithelial cells to grow back properly.You may experience
some discomfort during the surgery, which is easily manageable with
the help of painkillers. The pain is comparatively lesser than PRK
or Lasek surgery.
Post Epi Lasik
The doctors will allow you to remove the contact lens by about the
third day after the surgery. The recovery will probably not be
immediate. Some patients may recover in three days, while others
take longer, probably three or six months to achieve the best
results. As with any other eye surgery, after Epi Lasik, it is very
essential to follow your doctor's instructions as the outcome of the
surgery greatly depends on how well your corneas heal. Do not ignore
the use of eye drops or prescribed medications and follow-up
appointments, if any.
Suitable candidates for Epi Lasik
Many surgeons consider Epi Lasik as a better option for some
patients who probably will not do very well with Lasik. These
include people who have steep corneas, with not enough tissue for a
good Lasik flap. Some people who continuously run the risk of being
hit in the eye, such as police officers, army men, boxers and
sportsmen are also a suitable candidate for Epi Lasik.
Benefits of Epi Lasik
The advantages of Epi Lasik are relatively better than PRK or Lasek.
• Surgeons have encountered complications while making a
conservative Lasik flap and during the flap curing process; contrary
for Epi Lasik.
• The duration of visual recovery is perhaps 3 to 4 days as compared
to 7 days or more with PRK.
• A plastic blade, instead of dilute alcohol solution, is used to
separate the sheet from the eye, in Epi Lasik. This reduces the
possibility of a reaction from the alcohol, which can destroy
epithelial cells.
Risk involved in Epi Lasik
There are some risks involved in Epi Lasik, as with any other
refractive surgery. They are: Dry eyes, post surgery eye infection,
scarring, glare, incomplete or inaccurate vision correction.
