Abstract
Purpose: :
Epi–LASIK is a new refractive procedure which which is an automated "laser subepithelial keratomileusis " (LASEK) without alcohol. The authors present their results for the treatment of myopia and hyperopia.
Methods: :
This retrospective review comprises 39 eyes of 20 myopes and 7 eyes of 4 hyperopes. Mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was –4.62D (range, –1.50D to –9.50D) and +2.54D (range, +1D to +4D) in myopes and hyperopes respectively. EpiLasik was performed in all eyes using the EpiVisionTM (Gebauer).
Results: :
Efficacy, safety and predictability were similar as with PRK and LASIK in the litterature for the respective same ranges of correction. Mean maximal pain on first postoperative day was 3.20 on visual analog scales. Mean maximal haze at 1 month postoperatively was 0.64. at Day 4, uncorrected visual acuity was 20/30 or more in 60% of patients. In 5 eyes, the procedure was converted to PRK due to inadequate flap, with no incidence on final outcome.
Conclusions: :
EpiLasik appears to be a safe alternative procedure compared to LASIK to treat myopia and hyperopia. It is specially useful in eyes which are at high risk of stromal flap complications and/or secondary keratectasia with LASIK.
Keywords: refractive surgery