FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

This information is intended to supplement, not replace, consultation with your physician regarding Epi-LASIK. Please consult with Dr. Gold if you have additional questions or if you have questions that may not be covered in this section.

Q: What are the Advantages over LASIK?

A:

• Decreased risk of surgical flap complications (incomplete flap, irregular flap, abrasions, buttonhole flap, excessively deep flap), i.e., safety.
• Decreased risk of immediate post-surgical complications (flap striae, DLK, dislocated flap), i.e., safety.
• Decreased risk of late post-surgical complications (epithelial ingrowth, late flap trauma, late flap dislocation, late DLK), i.e., safety.
• Decreased incidence of post-op dry eye syndrome (because corneal nerves are not severed)
• Better in treating thin corneas because approximately 35% less tissue removed, i.e., safety.
• Better overall visual outcome in terms of quality and acuity of vision (less induced higher order aberration due to flap)

Q: What are the Advantages over PRK?

A:

• Quicker healing time (less down time)
• Decreased post-operative pain, discomfort, and light sensitivity
• More rapid visual recovery
• Less potential for healing with haze

Q: What are the Advantages over LASEK?

A:

• No alcohol used to separate epithelial cells
• Cells are not killed by alcohol
• Less potential for healing with haze
• Decreased post-operative pain, discomfort, and light sensitivity

Q: Are there any Disadvantages to Epi-LASIK?

A:

• The procedure takes slightly longer to perform than PRK or LASIK.
• Blurriness lasts a couple of more days than with LASIK (but a couple of days less than with PRK)
• It is slightly more expensive than either PRK or LASIK.

Q: What Should I Expect on Surgery Day?

A: Please arrive about one hour before surgery time. Your WavePrint Scan will be done (if you have chosen CustomVue Epi-LASIK). The area around your eyes will then be prepared for surgery. You will be brought into the laser room. Dr. Gold will do a final check of the numbers in your chart while the laser is being calibrated for your prescription. He will then do a final inspection of the front surface of your eyes with you seated comfortably at the microscope. He will insert the tear drain plugs for those of you with dry eyes. This feels like he is tickling your eyelashes. You will then lie down on a chair like a dentist’s chair under the laser. He will get you positioned. He will numb your eyes thoroughly with eye drops and apply sterile drapes to your eyelids. Then an eyelid retainer will be applied so neither you nor he have to worry about you blinking. You will see the blinking red light at that point. The epi-keratome will then be placed on your eye and you can expect to feel a gentle pressure while the device separates the epithelial cells without cutting. These cells will be discarded and then the laser treatment will be performed. Then a non-prescription "bandage" contact lens and eye drops will be applied. The eyelid retainer and the sterile drapes will then be removed. Then you will move back over to the microscope for him to check the finished product. You will then receive your post-procedure instructions and Dr. Gold will discharge you to the care of the person who brought you that day.

Q: What Should I Expect After Surgery Day?

A: You will wear a special bandage contact lens for several days, during which time the vision may remain blurry and the eye may be a little irritated

Q: What are Realistic Expectations for Epi-LASIK?

A: The decision to have Epi-LASIK is an important one that only you can make. The goal of any refractive surgical procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire. The vast majority of our patients are extremely happy with their vision after Epi-LASIK and can do most activities without dependence on corrective lenses.

Q: What Complications can Occur with Epi-LASIK?

A: Serious complications with Epi-LASIK are extremely rare. Epi-LASIK is a safe, effective and permanent procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Many of the risks and complications associated with this procedure can be reduced or eliminated through careful patient selection and thorough pre-operative testing using the latest diagnostic methods.

Q: Are There Side Effects with Epi-LASIK?

A: After Epi-LASIK you may experience some sensations of irritation and dryness for a short period of time. You may also experience some visual side effects. The visual side effects are usually mild and diminish over time. But there is a slight chance that some of these side effects won’t go away completely, such as glare and haloes.

Q: What Kind of Vision can I Expect?

A: Since everyone heals somewhat differently, some patients may over react to the procedure and some may under react resulting in overcorrections and undercorrections. Once the eye has stabilized (3 to 6 months) you and Dr. Gold can discuss whether an enhancement could help fine tune your vision if you are over or under corrected.

Q: How do I Determine if I am a Good Candidate for Epi-LASIK?

A: After a thorough eye exam, you and Dr. Gold will determine if Epi-LASIK is an option for you. If you are a good candidate, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.