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For more information on laser correction eye surgery, including Epi-LASIK, contact Portland, Oregon doctor Stanley Teplick today!
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"It’s like a whole new world not having to put in contacts or look for glasses."
- Ramona Sandstrom
Epi-LASIK at Teplick Custom Vision
Proudly Serving Portland, Bend, Salem, Albany, Beaverton, Vancouver and Other Oregon and Washington Residents
Epi-LASIK vs. LASIK
The excimer laser changes the curvature of the cornea, directly altering the focusing system of the eye. There are two techniques to apply the laser to the eye – LASIK and Epi-LASIK. In both cases a microkeratome is used to create a flap in the cornea, but in Epi-LASIK the flap is very superficial, involving only the surface epithelial cells. In LASIK, a thicker corneal flap is created.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Epi-LASIK
The advantage of the thicker flap in LASIK is less postoperative discomfort and quicker rehabilitation. However, in some cases, it is not safe to create a thicker flap in the cornea. This may occur when the cornea is thin, irregular, or when there is a corneal surface abnormality. In these cases it is safer to have Epi-LASIK, which involves only a surface incision. The downside of Epi-LASIK is that it takes the patient a few days longer to heal, and during the initial healing period a protective contact lens must be worn. This lens will be placed on the cornea at the time of surgery and removed by the eye doctor three to four days later. Also, there is usually increased discomfort for the first few days after Epi-LASIK surgery compared to LASIK. Pain medication is prescribed following both procedures.
Most patients, of course, want the procedure with the quickest recovery. However, at Teplick Vision we consider your safety first and, as there may be an increased risk to certain patients with LASIK, we will advise Epi-LASIK in selected cases. Studies show no significant difference in final visual acuity when comparing the two techniques. The difference is primarily the length of time required for recovery. With Epi-LASIK you can expect clear vision in one to two weeks, although, you should achieve adequate functional vision for most life tasks, including driving, within two to three days.
Please review all of the information given to you and have all your questions answered prior to proceeding with your vision correction surgery.
Epi-LASIK at the Portland office of Dr. Stanley Teplick may be your opportunity for clear, hassle-free vision. For more information about Epi-LASIK and LASIK, contact our eye surgery center today.