From Start to Finish: What You Need to Know About Epi LASIK in Singapore
Surface ablation techniques like Epi-LASIK have always had a place in correcting refractive vision problems, especially among patients with special conditions like thin or steep corneas or dry eye syndrome. But for a decade now, they've often taken a back seat to LASIK, partly due to the amazing results of early LASIK trials that have demonstrated how LASIK has helped many, many patients achieve clearer vision and leave their contact lenses and glasses behind.
Still, despite those initial results, there's no denying that there are multiple situations where a surface ablation technique is warranted. Aside from the conditions mentioned above, many patients are wary about having their corneas cut and some others may need correction after having a lens implanted to correct presbyopia, which often develops during middle age. For these patients also, Epi-LASIK can be a great choice.
Because it does not create a flap in the cornea, Epi-LASIK can be associated with a quicker return to best corrected visual acuity in some patients, and newer approaches have significantly reduce the amount of postoperative pain. If your doctor has recommended Epi-LASIK, if you have one of the conditions listed above, or if you'd just like to learn more about Epi-LASIK as an alternative to LASIK, here's a quick rundown of what you can expect during an Epi-LASIK procedure and recovery period:
The Treatment The first step in having Epi-LASIK in Singapore is to have a comprehensive eye exam so the doctor can determine what type of vision problem you're experiencing as well as the amount of correction you'll need to treat it. Your exam will be performed well in advance of the surgery itself. On the day of your surgery, the procedure itself begins with preparation of your eye. The area around your eye may be cleaned with a special cleanser to remove any traces of dirt, oil or makeup. Anesthetizing eye drops are applied to numb the eye so you won't feel any pain during the procedure. Once the eye is numb, the doctor will use a special suction tool to help lift and gently separate the epithelium. The laser is then applied to the exposed surface so corrections can be made. Once the ablation is completed, some doctors replace the lifted epithelium so it can serve as a natural bandage, while others opt to remove it entirely. The entire procedure typically takes no more than 10 minutes.
The Recovery Once the procedure is complete, the doctor will place a patch or protective lens over your eye to protect it during the initial stages of healing. In most cases, patients can expect to have a follow-up visit the next day, at which time the doctor will check on your progress and prescribe special drops to prevent infection and reduce any swelling and discomfort. Additional follow-up visits will be needed to monitor your progress as your vision recovers. Complete visual recovery can take several weeks, depending on the extent of the vision problem that was treated.
If you're considering epi LASIK, Singapore offers one of the best treatment records in the world. To learn about whether the treatment is right for you, schedule a comprehensive eye exam to learn about all the possible treatment options for your needs.
Still, despite those initial results, there's no denying that there are multiple situations where a surface ablation technique is warranted. Aside from the conditions mentioned above, many patients are wary about having their corneas cut and some others may need correction after having a lens implanted to correct presbyopia, which often develops during middle age. For these patients also, Epi-LASIK can be a great choice.
Because it does not create a flap in the cornea, Epi-LASIK can be associated with a quicker return to best corrected visual acuity in some patients, and newer approaches have significantly reduce the amount of postoperative pain. If your doctor has recommended Epi-LASIK, if you have one of the conditions listed above, or if you'd just like to learn more about Epi-LASIK as an alternative to LASIK, here's a quick rundown of what you can expect during an Epi-LASIK procedure and recovery period:
The Treatment The first step in having Epi-LASIK in Singapore is to have a comprehensive eye exam so the doctor can determine what type of vision problem you're experiencing as well as the amount of correction you'll need to treat it. Your exam will be performed well in advance of the surgery itself. On the day of your surgery, the procedure itself begins with preparation of your eye. The area around your eye may be cleaned with a special cleanser to remove any traces of dirt, oil or makeup. Anesthetizing eye drops are applied to numb the eye so you won't feel any pain during the procedure. Once the eye is numb, the doctor will use a special suction tool to help lift and gently separate the epithelium. The laser is then applied to the exposed surface so corrections can be made. Once the ablation is completed, some doctors replace the lifted epithelium so it can serve as a natural bandage, while others opt to remove it entirely. The entire procedure typically takes no more than 10 minutes.
The Recovery Once the procedure is complete, the doctor will place a patch or protective lens over your eye to protect it during the initial stages of healing. In most cases, patients can expect to have a follow-up visit the next day, at which time the doctor will check on your progress and prescribe special drops to prevent infection and reduce any swelling and discomfort. Additional follow-up visits will be needed to monitor your progress as your vision recovers. Complete visual recovery can take several weeks, depending on the extent of the vision problem that was treated.
If you're considering epi LASIK, Singapore offers one of the best treatment records in the world. To learn about whether the treatment is right for you, schedule a comprehensive eye exam to learn about all the possible treatment options for your needs.