Lasik Eye Surgery California : How Does Epi-LASIK Eye Surgery Works?




Have you heard of Epi-LASIK Eye Surgery? Epi-LASIK is a relatively new lasik eye surgery procedure created by Ioannis G. Pallikaris, M.D, in Greece. It is used to solve potential problems that occur with LASIK and LASEK. It is cross between the two types of eye surgery. Epi-LASIK attempts to provide the best of both LASIK and LASEK.

It involves the cutting of an ultra thin flap from the tissue known as epithelium that covers the very front of the eye’s cornea. This reduces the risk of cutting the a thick flap that comes with LASIK.

As for LASEK, the epithelium, is also cut into a thin flap. The difference between Epi-LASIK and LASEK is in Epi-LASIK, the surgeon uses a blunt, plastic oscillating blade, also known as a epikeratome, rather than LASEK’S finer blade. Moreover, toxic alcohol is not used in Epi-LASIK to lossen the epithelial sheet. Instead, the plastic blade, also known as the epithelial separator, is used to separate the sheet from the eye in Epi-LASIK. This prevents any possiblity alcohol reaction which can kill epithelial cells.

After the epithelial flap is made, it is lifted and gently folded out of the way. An excimer laser is used to sculpt the underlying corneal tissue. Then a kind of spatula is used to put the epithelial flap back on the eye. A special contact lens is placed on the eye to keep the flap in place while it re-epithelializes. The contact lens used is very oxygen-permeable, and thus prevents the possibility of the suface cells of the cornea from dying.

Also, the pain that you experience after you have Epi-LASIK eye surgery can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. This pain is significantly less than with LASIK or LASEK.

Nevertheless, Epi-LASIK is only more appropriate for people who have low myopia (less steep corneas). So if you are considering Epi-LASIK, do consult your eye doctor and seek his or her advice.




  • Lasik Eye Surgery California : What Should You Expect After Lasik Eye Surgery




    You must be wondering what you are expected to do after surgery. There are many requirements you will have to adhere to immediately after the lasik eye surgery and into the first few months of recovery.

    The following are what you should be expected to do after the lasik surgery:

    1. Immediately After Surgery

    Your eyes will feel irritated and itching straight after the lasik eye surgery. Your vision will be blurr and hazy. Strict instructions will most likely be given by the doctor not to rub your eyes. This is to allow the flap to fuse with the rest of your cornea. Therefore, it is advisable to have someone accompany you home. Moreover, you should try to sleep for a few hours immediately after the surgery to let you eye rest.

    2. Into The First Week

    A great improvement in your eye vision should be achieved and your eyes should not feel so blurr and hazy. Your follow-up visit will most likely be between 24 to 48 hours after the LASIK surgery. Nevertheless, you will still experience light sensitivity. The doctor will also advise you not to put face make-up or lotion for at least 2 weeks after your surgery so that possibly infection to your recovering eye can be prevented.

    3. One Month After The Surgery

    Strenuous sports should not be attempted. Moreover, you should avoid going to swimming pools for at least 2 months after the surgery. This is to allow the cornea to recover in the shortest time possible. Also, by not engaging in any dangerous sports, you can reduce the possibility of rubbing your eyes.

    4. Six Months After The Surgery

    Between three to six months after your lasik surgery, your vision will vary continually as your eye adjust to it. After six months, this variations in vision should have subsided and most side effects should have stopped. If double vision still occur at this point, it may become a permanent result due to the lasik surgery.

    As everyone experience differently results after LASIK, your doctor will advise you and provide you with guidelines to follow after the lasik eye surgery. Knowing what is expected of you after the surgery will enable you to enjoy the substantial amount of benefits LASIK can offer to you.




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