Epi LASIK stands for "Epithelial Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis", relatively very new and an advanced procedure that combines the best of other procedures such as PRK, LASIK and LASEK and was first performed on 3 rd Nov 2005, in Illinois .

To put this in simple words, this is a LASIK without cutting your eye.

Before the stroma is reshaped using excimer laser, in

•  PRK , the epithelium of your eye will be scrapped gently, but it takes longer to heal and so the post-treatment pain and discomfort remains longer.

•  LASIK , the epithelium of your eye is cut and a flap is created using a precise surgical instrument called a microkeratome and folded back after the treatment. Cutting the epithelium may cause flap problems and epithelial ingrowths after the treatment.

•  LASEK , the epithelium of your eye is loosened and moved (not cut) using alcohol and then rolled back after the treatment. Usage of alcohol may cause stinging, has the potential to cause tissue damage and about 50% of the epithelial cells may die.

But in Epi LASIK, the epithelium of your eye is moved using a specially designed microkeratome like instrument is used to create a thin flap. So no scrapping, cutting and alcoholic solution is involved.

Similar to LASEK, this procedure may be suitable for patients who have thin corneas and might not be considered for ordinary LASIK treatment. Unlike PRK that may require 7 days or more and LASEK that may require 5-7 days to recover: this procedure is similar to LASIK in terms of recovery, but still not quite as comfortable as with ordinary LASIK.

Consulting surgeon will be in a position to advise if Epi-LASIK is the best choice for you or not, depending on whether you have thin corneas or have certain conditions of the cornea that may not allow you to have the ordinary LASIK treatment.