Epi-LASIK

There are many different types of laser eye surgeries available today for correcting vision at Boothe Eyecare. These include PRK, LASEK, LASIK and Epi-LASIK—a newer technique for refractive eye surgery. As part of the recent evolution of laser procedures, each method offers different advantages and disadvantages for patients.

The most common form of laser eye surgery today is traditional LASIK, which involves using a handheld blade or a laser to create a corneal flap that can be folded back to expose corneal tissues for resculpting by an excimer laser. To make the flap, the blade makes an incision into 15-20% of the corneal surface, which carries some risks of infection and triggers a wound response from your eye.

Epi-LASIK (Epithelial Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the newer techniques for laser surgery that avoids a corneal incision by using a surface ablation technique. With Epi-LASIK, the corneal flap is created from just the outermost layer of the cornea—affecting less than 1% of the thickness of your cornea. Rather than using an actual blade, or microkeratome, the surgeon uses an oscillating plastic device to separate the epithelium from the underlying tissue, so that no actual incision is made. This makes the method very safe and helps to reduce potential complications that are sometimes encountered with LASIK procedures.

The corneal flap is then folded aside while an excimer laser is used to reshape the tissue in your eye and refocus light on the retina. After the procedure, the patient is provided with a special contact lens to hold the corneal flap in place while it heals. Proper healing is critical to getting good results in your vision, so be sure to follow all of your doctor’s instructions for medication and care following your procedure.

Because of the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, recovery time after Epi-LASIK tends to be quicker than traditional LASIK, LASEK and PRK. Most patients recover within a period of 3 or 4 days as opposed to a week. After your surgeon removes the contact lens, your vision may initially be blurry, but should clear up within a few days.

Epi-LASIK is ideal for patients with abnormal corneal conditions, including thin corneas and lower myopia, or corneas that are less steep. Epi-LASIK may also be a sensible option for people whose careers or hobbies involve risks of getting hit in the eyes, such as police officers or athletes. But deciding which procedure is best for you requires a professional recommendation from your doctor. Dr. William Boothe, founder and chief surgeon of the Boothe Eye Care and Laser Center, can help you assess whether Epi-Lasik is right for you. Call the center today to set up a consultation with Dr. William Boothe, one of the most experienced laser eye surgeons in the country.