Want to Say Goodbye to Glasses and Contact Lenses? Epi-LASIK Could Offer the Ideal Solution
Would you like to improve your vision with refractive laser surgery, but aren't sure if laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the best option for you? Epi-LASIK offers a safe, effective alternative to traditional LASIK surgery.
What is Epi-LASIK?
Epi-LASIK is a type of refractive eye surgery that corrects vision by changing the shape of your cornea. The dome-shaped cornea covers the iris and pupil and helps refract (bend) light as it enters the eye. Refraction is important, as it ensures that light focuses directly on the retina, the layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye.
In both nearsightedness and farsightedness, light that enters the eyes is focused away from the retinas, leading to blurry vision. During refractive surgery, your ophthalmologist alters the shape of the cornea with a laser. This corrects the shape of the corneas to ensure light refracts into the eyes properly.
During traditional LASIK surgery, an ophthalmologist creates a flap in the cornea with a blade or laser. The flap is moved aside as the cornea is reshaped with another laser. The flap is moved back into position at the end of the surgery.
Although the Epi-LASIK procedure is similar to LASIK surgery, your doctor uses a special instrument to separate a thin layer of corneal cells from the inner layers of the cornea. After reshaping the cornea with the laser, the cells are repositioned. The cornea is covered with a bandage contact lens that protects the cornea while it heals. Vision may begin to improve after just a few days, although it may take up to six months to experience the full effects of the surgery.
What are the Benefits of Epi-LASIK?
If you'd like clear vision without contact lenses or eyeglasses, Epi-LASIK offers these advantages:
- A Good Alternative if You Have Corneal Issues. It may not be possible to create the deeper flap used in LASIK surgery if you have thin corneas. Since the Epi-LASIK flap is much thinner, you may still qualify for laser eye surgery even if you have thin corneas. Epi-LASIK may also be recommended if you have abnormally shaped corneas.
- Got Severe Myopia? Laser Surgery May Still Be an Option. LASIK isn't a good option for people with severe myopia. Severe myopia is defined as more than six diopters of myopia, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. A diopter measures the amount of optical lens power needed to correct your vision. Fortunately, epi-LASIK offers an excellent alternative to LASIK for people with severe myopia.
- Reduced Risk of Dry Eye. Dry eye disease is the most common complication after LASIK surgery, according to a 2023 review published in Frontiers in Medicine. Although dry eye disease is a temporary complaint for many LASIK patients, it may become a chronic problem for others. If you already have dry eye, or are at risk for developing the condition, Epi-LASIK may be a better choice than LASIK. Cutting corneal nerves during LASIK surgery can cause dry eye. Dry eye is less likely to be a problem with Epi-Lasik, as nerves aren't cut.
- A Safer Option for Active Lifestyles. A blow to the eye could damage or dislocate your flap, particularly during the first few months after LASIK surgery. If you're an athlete or have a physically demanding job, your eye doctor may recommend Epi-LASIK instead.
Worried about eye surgery complications? Although complications can occur with any surgery, they're much less likely with Epi-LASIK. Thanks to the flap-free procedure, you won't need to worry about shifting or infected flaps.
Ready to find out if epi-LASIK is right for you? Get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist.
Sources:
PMC: Frontiers in Medicine: Post-LASIK Dry Eye Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Management and Current Treatment Options, 4/11/2023
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10126282/
American Academy of Ophthalmology: Nearsightedness: What is Myopia?", 11/7/2024
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/myopia-nearsightedness
All About Vision: Epi-LASIK Eye Surgery: How It Works, 2/26/2019
https://www.allaboutvision.com/treatments-and-surgery/vision-surgery/lasik/epi-lasik/
American Academy of Ophthalmology: Alternative Refractive Surgery Procedures, 4/25/2023
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/refractive-surgery-alternative-procedures
Ophthalmology Advisor: Epi-LASIK, TRPK Offer Similar Benefits for Patients with Moderate to High Myopia, 7/7/2022