Epi-LASIK, also referred to as "Advanced Surface treatment (AST)", is a procedure which utilizes the excimer laser to lessen one’s dependence on glasses and/or contact lenses. Epi-LASIK combines features of both PRK (photorefractive keratotomy) and LASIK, resulting in less pain and quicker healing than PRK and fewer potential complications than LASIK.

Epi–LASIK is the most recent from of laser vision correction and is becoming increasingly more popular with surgeons and patients because it is essentially a mixture of both PRK and LASIK.  Epi-LASIK offers the safety of PRK as well as the reduced pain and healing time of LASIK. 

Epi–LASIK is performed on the same layer of the cornea as PRK but without the use of alcohol.  An epithelial flap is created (flap of the corneal epithelium) with an epikeratome and is discarded.  This gives a smooth tissue bed and edges and no surrounding tissue damage since no alcohol is used.  This results in less pain and quicker healing time when compared to PRK.  LASIK, is generally the most painless and has the quickest healing time of all three procedures, however Epi-LASIK results in fewer potential complications.

During your consultation, various measurements and procedures will be performed on your eyes to determine if your eyes can undergo Epi-LASIK in the safest manner possible and giving you the best chances for a good outcome.  First, a complete ocular and medical history is taken; many present and past eye and general health problems can have a negative effect on the results of Epi-LASIK.  Next, the refractive status of your eyes (whether you are nearsighted or farsighted  and whether or not you have astigmatism) will be determined.  Then, a complete, dilated eye examination will be performed to make sure that your eye is healthy enough to undergo the procedure and to give you the best chances of attaining the desired results.  Finally, other parameters of your eyes will measured, such as the thickness of your cornea (pachymetry), the “landscape” of your cornea (topography), the size of your pupils (pupillometry), the steepness of your cornea (keratometry) and the volume and effectiveness of your tears.  This information will not only allow the doctor to determine if you are a candidate for Epi– LASIK, but will also be used to help with the procedure itself.

The doctors at Eye Associates of Pinellas will help you in making the decision as to  whether or not Epi–LASIK is right for you.