Epi-K

LASIK (laser assisted keratomileus)  technique was invented by dr Ionnis Pallikaris in 1991 and since then almost 2 million LASIK-procedures have been performed. In 2005 during the XXVI Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons in Lissabon dr Pallikaris predicted that already within a few years LASIK will lose its popularity, because a new laser procedure Epi-K is winning over more supporters. Abbreviation Epi-K comes from 2 words: epipolis (in Greek means „superficial“) and LASIK.

Epi-K incorporates benefits of two classical laser procedures PRK (photo refractive keratotomy) and LASIK: that is to say safety of PRK and patient convenience of LASIK. Thanks to the Epi-K procedure it’s no longer needed to make a scission in the eye, and thus the patients won’t feel weeks’ long discomfort and pain in the eyes, what PRK-procedure inevitably brings along. Principles of the Epi-K procedure To understand the benefits of Epi-K above other methods, one must know the structure of the cornea – all laser procedures are done inside it. Cornea is the frontal transparent part of the eye, which in the middle is 550 µm (0,55 mm) thick. Cornea is divided into 3 different layers: outer layer – epithelium (30 µm thick); middle layer is stroma (500 µm thick) and the innermost layer is called endothelium (10 µm thick). During the Epi-K procedure no scission is done and for the laser beam a way to the cornea is opened by moving the outer layer of the cornea, the so called epithelium, toward the part of cornea near the nose, while not damaging the epithelium. After working with the laser beam, the surgeon shifts the epithelium back to its proper place and then covers the eye with a thin oxygen-penetrable contact lens which is left on the eye for 3-5 days. The patient doesn’t need to change the contact lenses, which is the most comfortable solution. Patients who have had the Epi-K procedure usually experience discomfort in the eye from four to six hours after the procedure and they can return to their daily routine within a few days. With Epi-K the quality of a patient’s eye sight, contrast of the vision and comfort feeling in the eyes is 3 months after the surgery somewhat better than with LASIK-procedures, so states scientific research. The Epi-K procedure can’t be done on all who want it. The Epi-K procedure is not suitable for people whose refractive error is more than 5 diopter and those who have had eye traumas, herpes infection or who suffer from diabetes. Also we prefer to perform LASIK on patients, who cannot stay in Estonia longer than 2 days and who have previously had CK, LASIK and PRK procedures. The International Association of Optometrists believes that the Epi-K method can soon open up an entire new chapter in the history of refractive surgery, which aims to guarantee the best possible vision for all patients. KSA Eye Clinic uses Norwood Eyecare Centurion SES separator for performing Epi-K procedures. The device is the only one to be certified by the FDA.