Important Factors to Consider Before Undergoing Epi-LASIK Surgery
Refractive errors can be corrected or improved with the use of various approved methods. There are methods that are designed to improve vision temporarily with the aid of eyeglasses or contact lenses while there are also methods that are designed to improve vision permanently. There are many types of Refractive Eye Surgery, among of these types is Advanced Surface Ablation which covers Epi-Lasik, LASEK, and PRK.
What is LASIK surgery?
LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, a type of corrective eye surgery that aims to reshape the cornea in order to correct or improve vision. LASIK is a process used to correct common types of eye problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
With LASIK, the cornea is reshaped by using laser. It is a corrective surgery that aims to correct vision and improve eyesight by changing or correcting how the eye focuses light rays unto the retina.
What is Epi-LASIK surgery
Also called as Surface Ablation, Epi-LASIK is a corrective eye surgery used to correct thin cornea or cornea with unusual curvature. This procedure is grouped under Advanced Surface Ablation, a group that includes PRK and LASEK as types of methods for refractive eye surgery.
In Surface Ablation, the aim is to preserve as much corneal tissues as possible, and though this process takes longer to heal as compared to other methods, the outcomes are often compared to LASIK.
Planning for Epi-LASIK Surgery
Only ophthalmologists are allowed to perform LASIK and Epi-LASIK surgery. Aside from the process being extremely delicate, it also cannot be reversed so caution, planning, and preparation must be taken into consideration before undergoing this procedure. Here are a few important factors to consider before undergoing surgery:
- Find an ophthalmologist qualified or permitted to perform the process.
- Research or inquire on ophthalmologist’s experience and expertise with the process.
- Inquire on previous outcomes and success rate of ophthalmologist.
- Find out the details of the process, such as pre-surgery preparation, details of the process, and after-surgery care.
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1 The Basics of LASIK Eye Surgery, United States Federal Trade Commission
2 Long-term Outcome of Epi_LASIK for High Myopia, S. Wang et al, PubMed, NCIBI, 2012
3 Asian Eye Institute