Epi-LASIK Eye Surgery

Epi-LASIK is a relatively new procedure that is technically a variation of LASIK, and is also called epithelial LASIK or E-LASIK. Epi-LASIK is used mostly for people in the higher refractive range where corneas are too thin or too flat for LASIK. In this procedure, a very thin flap is made consisting of the most superficial layer of the cornea (the epithelium). This is followed by the excimer laser treatment to correct your refractive error as in LASIK. At the end of the procudere the epithelial flap is put back and a transparent protective shield (bandage contact lens) is placed over the cornea. The epithelium takes a few days to heal following which the bandage lenses are removed. In the epi-LASIK procedure although the visual outcome is the same as that of LASIK, recovery of good vision takes 8-10 days. Your surgeon will be your best judge to decide which procedure you should undergo.