Epi-LASIK - Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Elkins Park, Phoenixeville, Conshohocken - Dr. James S. Lewis
Epi-LASIK; Advanced Surface Ablation
As a highly experienced laser eye surgery specialist, Dr. Lewis believes in using leading-edge technologies and techniques to achieve the finest possible vision correction results. One of the latest laser refractive techniques he offers is Epi-LASIK in Philadelphia. As one of the most highly experienced Epi-LASIK Philadelphia specialists, Dr. Lewis has helped numerous patients achieve freedom from glasses through this procedure. In fact, his reputation for excellent surgical outcomes attracts Epi-LASIK patients from throughout the greater Philadelphia area, including Bucks County, Elkins Park, Phoenixville, Conshohocken and Warminster.
Understanding the difference between Laser Vision Correction with a corneal flap (LASIK) and Laser Vision Correction without a corneal flap (Epi-LASIK)
All modern laser vision correction procedures use an excimer laser to reshape your cornea. All excimer lasers, regardless of their manufacturer, output 193 nanometer light for corneal ablation. The unique ability of the excimer laser to reshape corneal tissue is the breakthrough that started modern refractive surgery.
Laser Vision Correction can be divided into two main categories. One is surface corneal ablation and the other is below the corneal flap corneal ablation.
If you are considering Epi-LASIK eye surgery, please contact one of our offices to schedule a one-on-one appointment with the highly experienced Philadelphia Epi-LASIK specialist Dr. James S. Lewis. During your personal consultation, he will assess your health and determine if you are a Philadelphia Epi-LASIK candidate or if you could benefit more from some other type of refractive eye surgery.
Laser Vision Correction without a corneal flap (surface ablation).
- Bladeless Epi-LASIK exposes the most superficial layer of your corneal stroma to excimer sculpting. Your reshaped cornea maintains maximal strength and structural integrity. The vast majority of your corneal anatomy remains untouched.
- Older surface ablation techniques like PRK (photorefractive keratoplasty), LASEK (laser assisted epithelial keratomileusis), and transepithelial ablation use less elegant methods to expose the superficial corneal stroma. Most of these methods have fallen out of favor.
Laser Vision Correction with a corneal flap (LASIK).
- Flap-based techniques include standard LASIK, custom LASIK, and so-called “All Laser LASIK”. Regardless of the technique, a corneal flap is created and less of your corneal structure is preserved. The Excimer laser is applied beneath the corneal flap.
- Femtosecond lasers like Intralase™ and Zeimer™ are indeed bladeless. However, instead of a scalpel they use a series of multiple microscopic laser explosions to cut a corneal flap. All of these methods, including “All Laser LASIK” are susceptible to flap complications. All flap-based techniques leave you with less corneal resistance to trauma.
In addition to helping Philadelphia / Bucks County Epi-LASIK patients realize their dreams of clear vision without glasses, Dr. Lewis offers several other advanced refractive procedures. At his state-of-the-art LASIK Philadelphia offices, patients can also receive glaucoma therapy, intraocular lens implants and Visian ICL.
Epi-LASIK has been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of dry eye because less corneal nerves are interrupted during the procedure. Contrast sensitivity, vision in low light, and night vision are superior in all surface ablation procedures, particularly Epi-LASIK.
The best candidates for Epi-LASIK are those who can accept a slightly longer visual recovery period in return for enhanced vision and corneal strength.
Epi-LASIK is a better option for some patients than any of the flap-based techniques. This determination should be made in consultation with your doctor during your free evaluation.