LASIK Los Angeles Epi LASIK  | Advanced Surface Treatment

Epi-LASIK is the best option for those patients in Los Angeles with higher prescriptions, thin corneas, dry eyes and strong prescriptions. It involves treatment to the surface of the cornea, without creating an incision flap! The procedure usually takes longer to heal than LASIK, but it causes less thinning of the cornea. Patients who want to further maximize safety and steer clear of the added risks of LASIK are good candidates for Epi-LASIK.

Evolution of EPI-LASIK

Prior to LASIK, PRK or photorefractive keratectomy was once the most common refractive surgery procedure. PRK was invented in the early 1980s. LASEK or laser epithelial keratomileusis was a newer variation of PRK. Epi-LASIK is the next generation of LASEK.

Epi-Lasik PROCEDURE

LASIK involves creating a flap in the cornea with either a microkeratome or a laser. But, in epi-LASIK, a special oscillating “separator” is used to remove the surface of the cornea (epithelium). By removing the epithelium mechanically, there is less injury to the surrounding tissues, for a faster recovery. After the epithelium is removed, the excimer laser treats the underlying corneal tissue. A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to protect the surface while it heals.

After Epi-Lasik

Initially, the vision will be blurry. But, as the surface heals, the vision will improve slowly over the following few days. The bandage contact lens is removed usually by one week. The vision will probably not be perfect immediately: some patients do achieve 20/40 or even 20/20 vision within a few days, but others can take longer — possibly three or six months — to reach their final result. However, most patients can see well enough to drive about a week after surgery.
As with any laser eye surgery, after epi-LASIK it is very important to follow all instructions exactly, because the quality of the final vision you achieve is affected by how well your corneas heal. Los Angeles LASIK surgery and laser eye surgery in Pasadena Los Angeles performed by Los Angeles LASIK eye surgeon Dr. Linda Vu. Dr Vu is a board certified ophthalmologist that can prescribe the best LASIK in Los Angeles treatment for you.