Epi-LASIK Houston

Dr. Warren D. Cross, Medical Director of the Bellaire Eye & Laser Center in Houston, TX performed the second EPI-LASIK^M procedure in the United States on November 3, 2003. The surgery was broadcasted on CBS Channel 11. To watch it now, click here. 

Epi-LASIK Houston is an improved Laser Vision Correction technique that combines the advantages of PRK and LASIK and eliminates most of their disadvantages.

PRK uses alcohol to remove the surface epithelium (the thin layer of skin covering the front surface of the cornea). Once removed, the surface of the eye is treated with the laser. After the procedure, a bandage contact lens is placed in the eye for 4 to 6 days while the epithelium slowly regenerates itself.

Traditional LASEK also uses alcohol to separate the epithelium but with LASEK the epithelium is pushed aside during the laser treatment then repositioned over the cornea before the bandage contact lens is place on the eye.

In both PRK and LASEK, the use of alcohol kills the epithelial cells and causes mild to severe swelling of the cornea that results in discomfort, light sensitivity and a slower return to functional vision.

The Epi-LASIK procedure uses a unique microkeratome to mechanically separate the epithelium to make a flap, similar to a traditional LASIK flap. Unlike LASIK, no sharp blades or knives are required. And unlike LASEK, no alcohol is required.

Advantages of Epi-LASIK

• Earlier recovery and better visual acuity postoperatively. With no exposure to alcohol the epithelial cells remain vital and the epithelial flap acts as a smoother surface for laser treatment.
• Less post-operative pain. Perhaps the epithelial flap acts as a natural therapeutic contact lens.
• Less post-operative haze. The epithelial flap may protect the bare surface of the stroma (the inner tissue of the cornea) after laser treatment and prevent the influx of inflammatory cells from tears.
• Lower risk of intra-operative complications possible with traditional LASIK. (Incomplete flap, buttonhole flap, irregular flap, excessively deep flap, epithelial slough, corneal abrasions. etc)
• Lower risk of immediate postoperative complications possible with LASIK. (Flap striae, DLK, dislocated flap)
• Lower risk of late postoperative complications possible with LASIK. (epithelial ingrowth, late flap trauma, late flap dislocation, late DLK)
• Lower risk of extended post-operative dry eye problems. (since the corneal nerves are not severed as with LASIK)
• Epi-LASIK is preferable procedure in treating thinner corneas. With this procedure approximately thirty-five percent less tissue is removed. That means that many patients who have thin corneas are now candidates for laser vision correction.
• Provides a more predictable outcome for wavefront guided "Custom" laser vision correction. Perhaps because LASIK can induce third order aberrations
• Lower chance of needing an enhancement.

1. Only the epithelium is separated
2. The laser is centered and the ablation is performed
3. The surface has been reshaped
4. The epithelial flap is repositioned