Is EPI-LASIK a safer procedure then LASIK or are the risks about the same? I do not hear much about this procedure.

In my opinion Epi-LASIK is generally safer than LASIK or IntraLASIK because it does not create a flap of cornea stromal tissue. Without this flap, there is not possibility of a flap related complication during surgery or at any time in the patient’s life.

Epi-LASIK is may be less safe than PRK or LASEK because it raises the pressure inside the eye (so do LASIK and IntraLASIK) which may be problematic for those with retina problems. If there are no elevated retina risks, then there would probably not be much difference between these three surface ablation techniques.

Epi-LASIK, PRK, and LASEK may not be appropriate for someone with very high refractive error because of an elevated probability of corneal haze.

Discuss with a competent doctor after a complete examination the advantages and disadvantages of the different surgery techniques as they relate to your specific circumstances. It may be that one is better than the others, you have a choice, or nothing is appropriate.

Glenn Hagele
http://www.USAEyes.org

I am not a doctor.

From a patient standpoint, being mine, when and if I get lasik, prk is probably the way I would want it done. No suction device, no flap, reduction of high order aberrations, saves cornea, reduces dry eyes. Yes theres a risk of haze but for my level of myopia, its not so great and I like the perks of prk.

I am a big fan of Epi-LASIK, LASEK and PRK. All have similar final results - there is just a difference in the technique to slide the epithelium out of the way for surgery.
Fortunately - our ability to prevent haze is much better over the past year, and many surgeons feel comfortable treating patients with 9 to 11 diopters of myopia.

I hope this helps

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL