Epi-LASIK


Epi-LASIK - Epithelial Laser in Situ Keratomileusis

Refractive Error Correction

  • Myopia - Nearsightedness or short sightedness.  This is corrected by flattening the front surface of the eye using a laser.
  • Hyperopia - Long sightedness or farsightedness.  This is corrected by making the central cornea steeper.  This is accomplished by directing the laser beam to remove tissue from around this area.
  • Astigmatism - This is corrected by using a laser to reshape the steepest part of the cornea to make it more spherical.

In Epi-LASIK (also known as Epithelial LASIK or E-LASIK) surgery the surface epithelium of the eyes cornea is lifted from the underlying corneal tissue using a high precision separator.  The epithelium is not softened using dilute alcohol and is preserved in a healthier and more viable condition compared with LASEK.  Visual recovery is therefore usually quicker and there is usually less discomfort compared with LASEK surgery. 

In this Laser Eye Surgery Guide, you can find out about other laser procedures, about the benefits of Epi-LASEK, together with side effects and risks involved with laser eye surgery and much, much more.

If you would like to book a consultation with a laser eye surgery clinic, visit the Find page, to find a clinic near you.

Epi-LASIK Procedure

Epi-LASIK is an outpatient procedure and overnight stay at the laser eye clinic is not required.  You will remain awake throughout the procedure as only a local anaesthetic is used, thus you will remain fully conscious and be able to see out of the treated eye(s), although vision may be blurred.  The whole procedure is usually completed within 20 minutes with the laser application lasting just minutes.

Your eye area will be numbed using anaesthetic drops so that pain and discomfort are minimised.  This may sting.  The eye area is cleansed with an antibacterial wash.  An epithelial separator is then used to flatten the cornea and a high precision blunt edge lifts the central epithelium from the cornea.  The epithelium remains attached, acting as a hinge.  You will be required to stare at a light whilst the laser is at work.  The laser procedure involves the use of an excimer laser to reshape the cornea by removing tiny amounts of corneal tissue in order to shape it to its optimum shape. 

A soft contact lens may be used for a few days following surgery.  This enables clear vision directly after treatment and can help reduce pain. 

You will be discharged quite soon after Epi-LASIK procedure but care must be taken. Visit the Aftercare page, to read about guidelines for aftercare and recovery from laser eye surgery.


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