Epi-LASIK Overview
One of the best ways to correct vision impairments such as astigmatism, myopia and hyperopia, laser eye surgeries are successful in not only fixing those problems but may also improve how well the eye works at actually seeing. While not everyone is a candidate for traditional procedures such as LASIK, they may be eligible for another treatment, known as Epi-LASIK.

Most popular laser eye procedures
• Conductive Keratoplasty
• Implantable Contact Lenses
• Intraocular Lenses
• LASEK
• LASIK
• Monovision

Epi-LASIK Laser Eye Treatment
In the past, traditional LASIK and LASEK eye procedures have involved the cutting of the cornea with a microkeratome or other form of laser technology, and also incorporated the use of alcohol to loosen the epithelial sheet, or the thin outer layer of the cornea. Epi-LASIK does not use any alcohol, so the risks involved with having a negative reaction to the alcohol or killing of epithelial cells is removed. Unlike other procedures where a sharp blade or laser is used, Epi-LASIK uses a plastic oscillating blade to make the incision, and uses an epithelial separator to pull back the epithelial sheet of the eye.

Once the flap has been folded back, an excimer laser fixes the corneal tissue just as it does in LASIK surgery. The flap is then put back over the cornea, and contacts are placed into the eye so that the flap can re-attach itself. The use of high-Dk contact lenses allows oxygen to flow through them, protecting the eye without increasing the time it takes to heal.

Patients find that they have 20/20 or 20/40 vision in as little as three days after the procedure. While immediate results can be seen, it can take anywhere from three to six months to benefit from the ultimate effect. Following instructions from the laser eye surgeon is very important so that full healing can be accomplished and vision can reach its highest potential.

Benefits
Most eye laser surgeries have many benefits that provide life-changing results to patients. Like other laser eye treatments, Epi-LASIK has advantages that may be better for patients than other forms of laser surgery, especially if they are not able to qualify for other procedures. While the most important and desired advantage with any laser surgery is to have better vision and reduced impairments, Epi-LASIK can offer the following unique benefits:

• Reduction of dry eye syndrome
• Reduced cases of flap complications associated with laser eye procedures
• Treating patients who have thinner corneas than other candidates of laser eye surgery

Complications
While there can be complications no matter what type of surgery you do, there have been some isolated cases of risk involved when performing Epi-LASIK.  The number of patients who do not receive a completely successful procedure is very rare, but most complications can be fixed and treated with an additional procedure. Some complications include:
• Flap Complication of the eye
• Vision impairments like glare, starbursts or halos
• Not receiving enough correction, or receiving too much

Cost
Many laser eye procedures are fairly comparable, and Epi-LASIK can run the same costs as traditional LASIK eye procedures. Laser eye procedures can vary depending on factors as well as provider, but costs are always quoted "per eye". If both eyes are to be done during a procedure, the price quoted to a patient is the double result of one procedure. Prices can range anywhere from $2,000-$2,500 per eye in the United States or more depending on any other special charges or additional procedures. Costs in India are 1/5th to 1/10th of costs in the U.S., and in Thailand cost roughly $1,650 and approximately $500 per eye in Hungary.

Choosing an Eye Surgeon
Finding the right surgeon to do this procedure on any patient is extremely important and should be done with plenty of time to research and find the most qualified doctor.  Be sure to ask the surgeon about the fees for the procedure, as well as any other questions about pre or post surgery activities. Find reputable surgeons by getting a referral from your optometrist or ophthalmologist, or check out the American Academy of Ophthalmology for laser eye surgeons. Research how long they have been in practice, how many procedures they have done, results that other patients have received, and medical history such as restrictions, revoking of licenses, or criminal history.