Epi-LASIK - New Technology in Laser Vision Correction

Dr. Kerry Assil, Medical Director of the Assil Eye Institute, was the first in California to use the EpiLift System, a new, safe method of corrective vision surgery, for correction of myopia (nearsightedness) and the first in the world for correction of hyperopia (farsightedness). Dr. Assil was one of the first physicians in the United States to offer patients the recently FDA approved EpiLift System, in addition to all of the other LASIK procedures.

The all new Epi-LASIK has the same results as LASIK without the need for any corneal flap. Epi-LASIK is yet another option for patients who seek laser eye surgery. In particular, Epi-LASIK outperforms traditional LASIK in patients with early signs of corneal stretching or patients with thin corneas. This advantage is because the procedure only works on the outermost layer (“the dead skin”) of the cornea, known as the epithelial layer. It is also desirable for people who have been fearful of having a corneal flap.

Dr. Assil has served as the Refractive and Scientific Director of Advanced Refractive Technologies (the company that introduced Epi-LASIK) and Clinical Investigator for all aspects of LASIK. He reports that Epi-LASIK successfully corrects his patient’s vision and that his patients healed according to his anticipation. Furthermore Dr. Assil reports, “Although the complete healing time with Epi-LASIK takes slightly longer than traditional LASIK, the end result is the same."

Dr. Assil is known as “the surgeon’s surgeon” because he provides world wide training courses for other doctors and has preformed eye surgery on over 200 eye doctors. Dr. Assil and his talented staff have helped to make refractive surgery safe and effective.

“I am excited to be able to offer this surgery to my patients,” said Dr. Assil. “With EpiLift, I am able to give them a surgical experience that is comfortable and safe. EpiLift is clearly a huge step forward in laser eye surgery techniques.”