I had epi-lasik done on my eyes in November 2006. I have a whole category dedicated to my Lasik experience and with it coming up to nearly one year since I went under the laser, I thought it would be a good time to introduce some tips and tricks for surviving epi-lasik for anyone thinking of doing it.
Epi-lasik is a slightly more complicated procedure than conventional Lasik and there can be instances of patients experiencing haze or an improperly healed cornea. Here are my 4 tips:
1. After the procedure, wear sunglasses at all times when out or when exposed to the sun, to minimize the formation of haze. Believe me, your eyes get very sensitive to light anyway.
2. Immediately after the procedure and for the next 4 days, listen to the doctors and drop eye drops and antibiotics in your eyes every 2 hours. I set my alarm clock to ring every 2 hours so I’d remember to drop my eye drops. I also took leave from work and stayed home with the lights low and curtains drawn to minimize strain on the eyes.
3. Do not rub your eyes under any circumstances! As epi-lasik involves the epithelium of your cornea being removed and then put back, rubbing your eyes may cause it to shift and fold and not heal properly. You do not want that to happen.
4. Be patient. Epi-lasik heals more slowly than conventional lasik but I found that I was doing great about a week later. You can’t be impatient because every eye heals at a different rate but communicate with your doctors if you feel its taking longer than it should.
Another thing I did was to take eye vitamins or supplements that are supposed to help eye health like bilberry and kei chi (wolfberries, goji berries). I’m not sure if they help but even the eye doctors recommended them so maybe there’s something to it? 
This is an entry in the Daily Blog Tips Blogging Project: Tips and Tricks.
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Not rubbing eyes would be a problem for me. So I am thankful that I have near-perfect vision
Agreed with GT! I can’t stand not rubbing my eyes so that’s in the way of me doing Lasik or EpiLasik.
Thank you for update, PB!
rinnah: I’m looking at IOL lenses now. It’s a new technology that puts a thin plastic film under the cornea. It’s reversible, and also seems better for me than laser-based procedures as I have dry eyes. I’m still researching it.
Giddy Tiger: That is something to be thankful for indeed!
Rinnah: I used to rub my eyes too but now I’m cured. Great for not having lines around your eyes when older
Aw: Ooh that new procedure sounds scary. But yes, if you have dry eyes, Lasik isn’t advisable.
I’m chicken shit, but maybe in a couple of years I really should go for lasik. don’t have to worry about glasses and contacts anymore, hor?
thanks for these tips… I’ll keep them in mind, if I ever go get my eyes done!
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