EpiLASIK is a safe, surface-based method of laser vision correction to correct your myopia (short-sightedness), astigmatism (san guang), hyperopia (long-sightedness) and presbyopia (lao hua). Because there is no cut flap in epiLASIK, the structural integrity of the cornea is preserved and does not weaken the cornea, preventing complications such as flap dislodgement, flap wrinkles and cornea ectasia from taking place.
Laser vision correction did not first begin with LASIK but began as a surface-based procedure known as early PRK in 1992. Since then, the surface based procedure has evolved through the years. Today, laser vision procedures that are surface based are collectively grouped and given the scientific name of Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA). Below is a timeline showing the progress of ASA.
-Early PRK
LASEK
epiLASIK
TransPRK epiLASIK
Removal of Epithelium Cells: Blunt blade
The first vision correction procedure introduced in 1992. Using a blunt blade to scrape the cornea surface cells to expose the underlying cornea tissue. Before an excimer laser is used to reshape the exposed cornea surface. A downfall was that the procedure tends to overheat the cornea surface and recovery was slow and painful.