Considering LASIK Eye Surgery? What is Epi LASIK?

For those considering eye surgery, the matter of what is Epi LASIK can be of some importance. For a fact, this form of eye surgery is newer and involves lasers much as the older form of LASIK does. It mainly came about as a way to avoid or solve some of the problems involved in traditional LASIK eye surgeries.

LASIK stands for "laser-assisted is situ keratomileusis, " and it is a type of surgery that is mainly used to correct certain vision deficiencies such as myopia, hyperopia and an astigmatism. LASIK eye surgery also generally requires a substantially reduced recovery time, with lowered levels of pain being felt on the part of the patient both during and after the procedure.

Epi LASIK differs from traditional LASIK in the way that the outer layer of the cornea -- which is known as the epithelium -- is cut away through use of certain medical instruments. In traditional LASIK, the ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) will use a very fine cutting blade in conjunction with the use of a laser. The new LASIK process usually means that a blunter, plastic oscillating blade is used.

In either surgery, the ophthalmologist will cut a flap in the cornea of the eye, though the risk inherent in traditional LASIK eye surgery is that the fine blade or laser may make cut the flap too thickly, though the advent of what surgeons call "bladeless LASIK" has helped to reduce that risk appreciably. Additionally, in Epi LASIK, the surgeon will not use alcohol to help separate the epithelial layers.

There is a risk in the use of alcohol in that it could actually kill off epithelial cells which would then impact a person's vision through his or her cornea. Opinion among medical specialists is divided on whether or not use or not use of alcohol really makes much difference, though, so keep that in mind. Generally, those people who have less-steep corneas (low myopia) make good candidates.

Once the epithelial flap has been made, it will be lifted up and moved very gently out of the way. This is where a laser will come in, and the surgeon will employ a type known as an excimer, which is a type of ultraviolet laser that is very common in eye surgeries. The laser will be used to shape or sculpt the tissue of the cornea during the procedure.

After that, the epithelial layer will be placed back over the cornea and held in place for a short while with a special kind of contact lens while that layer heals. I surgeons will use what is known in the industry as a "high-DK" contact lens, which means that the contact lens itself is highly permeable and will allow a lot of oxygen to penetrate, which will also help the epithelium to grow back properly.

Usually, within 72 hours after surgery, the patient will be able to remove the protective contact lens and many people will begin to regain vision to at least 20/40 or even 20/20 levels. Some people, however, may take a bit longer (up to six months) before complete success is attained. Those who may be good candidates for Epi LASIK will be told by their ophthalmologists before undergoing the procedure.
In order to find whether Epi LASIK is necessary for you you will need to consult your doctor. For more on all things as they relate to LASIK eye surgery you may visit the site today.

Written By: Frank_Rodriguez

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