Epi-LASIK
From Self-sufficiency
Epi-LASIK is a refractive surgery technique designed to reduce a person's dependency on eyeglasses and contact lenses. Invented by Dr. Ioannis Pallikaris (Crete, Greece), the technique is basically an automatic LASEK without alcohol:It can be better considered as superficial LASIK. The stromal bed is smoother than that obtained by mechanical methods or brush. Unlike alcohol (LASEK) there is no chance of damaging the limbal stem cells. It is also relatively less painful than LASEK.
- A device similar to a microkeratome (called epi-keratome) slides over the surface of the cornea, just underneath the epithelial layer of cells while suction is applied.
- The result is a hinged sheet of epithelium that is at least partially viable.
- It is reflected out of the way so that the ablation can take place.
- The sheet is repositioned and a bandage soft contact lens is placed on the eye.
Advantages
- Less damage to corneal nerves, hence safer in Dry Eyes
- If cornea is abnormal for LASIK, epilasik may still be an option
The first cases outside Greece were performed in September 2003.
Complications
Although relatively uncommon, the following are some of the more frequently reported complications of Epi-LASIK [1]:
- Slower or delayed epithelial healing
- Duplication of epithelium
- Over/undercorrection
- Visual acuity fluctuation
- Halos around light sources
- Starbursts around light sources
- Decentered ablation
- Corneal Haze
- Epithelium erosion
- Loss of epithelial flap
