Why Epi-LASIK is better and safer than LASIK?
Epi-LASIK is a refractive procedure that treats the same refractive changes as LASIK. Both procedures treat nearsightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. Epi-LASIK is actually a refinement of the original refractive procedure (PRK) that started the entire laser surgical refractive movement. Epi-LASIK is considered to be a safer procedure than LASIK. Although flap complications with LASIK are relatively low, they can cause irreversible vision loss and results that are less than optimal. With Epi-LASIK the superficial epithelial flap completely regenerates and, at the same time, preserves the structural integrity of the eye. In Epi-LASIK the superficial epithelium is separated from the underlying corneal tissue with a blunt separator. This separator does not cut into the deeper layers (stroma) of the cornea. After this superficial epithelium is lifted or removed the laser is performed on top of the stroma. The epithelium then heals over naturally. The structural
