Epi-LASIK
Dr. Shelby performs Epi-LASIK in Shreveport, which is the newest form of Advanced Surface Ablation performed today. It provides patients with an alternative to LASIK who would otherwise not be a candidate for refractive surgery.
Epi-LASIK is a marraige between PRK and LASIK. It combines the safety of PRK and the faster visual recovery of LASIK.
Epi-LASIK works by using a blunt plastic epithelial separator to gently lift the surface epithelium off the eye. Once the epithelium is removed, the VISX S4 Laser is used to gently reshape the cornea.
After the laser is through, the epithelial sheet is carefully placed back position and a bandage contact lens is then placed on the eye and left for up to 6 days while the eyes heal.
Because there is no FLAP cut on the eye, Epi-LASIK has a much safer post-operative profile than LASIK. Epi-LASIK is the perfect procedure for people who perform certain high risk professions such as:
- Police
- Military
- Firemen
- Contact Sports
- Other "physical" jobs
Epi-LASIK has a safety advantage over LASIK but also is preffered in patients who have thin corneas and dry eyes. Because only the surface of the Cornea
is treated, there is less tissue removed and the corneal nerves regenerate faster after Epi-LASIK.
Are there any draw backs to Epi-LASIK?
The biggest drawback to Epi-LASIK is discomfort and healing time. LASIK allows patients to have surgery on a Friday and return to work on Monday with great vision and very little, if any, discomfort.
Epi-LASIK on the other hand requires at least One Full Week of healing and visual recovery. It has been our experience that most patients recover functional vision within 3-5 days and the minimal discomfort (which include light sensitivity and foreign body sensation)lasts for 1-3 days.
Advanced Surface Ablations such as Epi-LASIK performed in Shreveport by Dr. Shelby, are becoming increasingly more common because of the safety profile and the quality of vision achieved when combined with Wavefront analysis.
Epi-LASIK is the preferred treatment of Military Pilots in the United States Air Force and Navy.
To find out if Epi-LASIK is right for you, call Dr. Shelby at (318) 212-3937 Today.
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