Who is a Good Candidate for Epi-LASIK?

If you are reading this it’s very likely that you are tired of glasses and contact lenses. Glasses fog up, slide down your nose and the hassle of maintaining contact lenses - the lesser said about that, the better. Thanks to the latest advancements in vision correction surgeries that have made getting rid of eyeglasses quick, painless and effortless. 

You must have heard of LASIK, or maybe have also come across Epi-LASIK but not sure if it is the right fit for you. Keep calm! In this blog, we will break it down for you! Let's understand who is the perfect candidate for Epi-LASIK eye surgery.

Epi-LASIK - What’s the Hype About?

Epi-LASIK is a type of laser eye surgery that corrects refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. It is somewhat similar to traditional LASIK with the key difference being that no flap is created in the cornea. Instead, the epithelium (top layer of the cornea) is gently separated using a special instrument. This therefore, makes Epi-LASIK an excellent option for people with thin corneas. Moreover, it is suitable for people who may not qualify for traditional LASIK but still wish to get permanent freedom from eyeglasses.

Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Epi-LASIK?

There is a specific eligibility criteria that needs to be fulfilled to undergo Epi-LASIK. So, who is the ideal candidate? Let’s see if you check all the boxes!

• You Have Thin Corneas

Did you know that not all corneas are created equally? Traditional LASIK requires a certain corneal thickness because a flap is cut before reshaping the cornea with a laser. However, if your corneas are on the thinner side, Epi-LASIK is ideal for you.

• Your Specs Number is Within the Safe Range

Epi-LASIK is best suited for people with mild to moderate refractive errors like:

• Nearsightedness (Myopia): Difficulty in seeing far-off objects? Epi-LASIK can help

• Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Struggling with near vision? Epi-LASIK could be your fix

• Astigmatism: Have blurry vision due at all distances due to an irregularly shaped cornea? Epi-LASIK can fix that too

It is important to note that if your specs prescription is extremely high, your doctor might suggest alternatives like ICL (Implantable Collamer Lenses) instead of Epi-LASIK

• You Have an Active Lifestyle

Are you into contact sports like boxing, wrestling, or martial arts? Or do you work in a physically demanding job like firefighting or the military? Good news, Epi-LASIK might be a great option for you. This is because, unlike LASIK, which creates a corneal flap, Epi-LASIK doesn’t involve a flap. This eliminates the risk of flap complications due to injury making it a safer alternative for people with active lifestyles. 

• You Are Over 18 Years Of Age

Our vision changes as we grow, which is why most eye surgeons recommend waiting until turning 18 and having a stable specs number for at least a year before considering any laser eye surgery. 

• You Have Overall Healthy Eyes

This is an important consideration to be eligible for Epi-LASIK. Your eyes should be in good overall health and have no active infections, no severe dry eye syndrome, and no history of eye diseases like keratoconus or glaucoma.

• You Are Okay with a Slightly Longer Recovery Time

Unlike vision correction procedures like SMILE Pro and Contoura Vision that offer recovery within 24-48 hours, Epi-LASIK takes a little longer. Since no corneal flap is created, the epithelium needs a few extra days to regenerate. Most patients recover in about a week and get stabilized vision in a few weeks. If you have the time and patience, Epi-LASIK could be totally worth it.

Who May Not Be Ideal for Epi-LASIK?

There are certain conditions that may disqualify one from being eligible for Epi-LASIK.  Since we are covering all about Epi-LASIK eligibility in this blog, below are the people who may not be ideal for EPI-LASIK:

• People With Severe Dry Eyes:  This is because laser procedures can sometimes worsen dryness

• People With Very high Prescriptions:  Epi-LASIK has limitations on how much intensity of refractive errors it can correct

• People With Autoimmune diseases:  Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can affect healing, making the person ineligible for vision correction surgery like Epi-LASIK

  
  

Epi-LASIK vs. LASIK: Which One Should You Choose?

Still confused about whether Epi-LASIK is better for you than LASIK? Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:

Feature	LASIK	Epi-LASIK
Corneal Flap	Yes	No
Ideal for Thin Corneas	No	Yes
Recovery Time	1-2 Days	5-7 Days
Risk of Flap Complications	Yes	No
Ideal for Athletes	No	Yes

The best way to know which vision correction surgery is ideal for you is to consult an experienced ophthalmologist. They will recommend the safest and most effective procedure for your eyes.

Final Verdict: Is Epi-LASIK Right for You?

As discussed above, Epi-LASIK is a fantastic choice for those who:

• Have thin corneas

• Lead an active lifestyle

• Want a flap-free alternative to LASIK

• Are ok with the recovery time

Ready to find out if Epi-LASIK is the right fit for your eyes and looking for a good eye hospital in Punjab? Great news! The region has a range of top ophthalmologists and eye care centres for permanent specs removal. No more struggling with blurry vision! It's time to get on the path to crystal-clear vision!