Epi-LASIK is a new method of laser eye treatment which was developed to overcome the issues with previous methods like Lasek and Lasik. It is a combination of these 2 procedures, but differs in some important aspects. When performing LASIK surgery, a portion of cornea is cut using a laser or sharp blade by the surgeon. There is some risk that thick portion of flap is cut during this procedure, so some advanced technologies have been developed to decrease the risk. Also, in Lasek the outer layer of the cornea termed as epithelium is removed. In Epi-LASIK, a thin plastic blade termed as epithelial separator is used for separating the thin sheet from our eye which avoids the probability of alcohol that can damage the epithelial cells.

But it has been reported that few surgeons use alcohol for improving the flap quality as well the attached hinge in Epi-LASIK surgery. Since it is quite difficult for creating epithelial flap for people who have high degree of myopia and steeper corner, this method is applicable only for people with low myopia. After making the epithelial flap, the surgeon lifts in gently and folds it out of the path. After that, they use an excimer laser for sculpting the corneal tissue present below it. Then, they place a contact lens for holding the flap in place. The vision could be perfect immediately. After 3 days when the re-epithelialization after the surgery has took place, we can remove the contact lenses.  Epi-LASIK requires careful following of the instructions of the surgeon since the vision will be based only on the healing of the cornea. There shall be discomfort for patients after Epi-LASIK and it is advised to use of pain killers for that.