epi-lasek eye surgery

[valentin]

Hi guys,

I new to this forum, and I actually landed here because of a google-ing for epi-lasek. There aren't many resources on the net for this (new) eye surgery procedure, at least compared with Lasik (I could find tons of diaries for Lasik pacients, but none, well except a topic "Wish me luck!" in this forum), so I was wondering if anyone else has made this step.

I've checked out the optimax site, which seems to be very well made, but I am uncertain as to what the results of this procedure are, regarding well-known complications (especially night-driving affecting complications - like halos, glare, ghosting).

I would like to see the opinion of people that have done this, they "recovery", etc. so that I can make an opinion of my own about this procedure.

Thanks a lot!

[SMHarman]

:welcome:
I don't think we have any post op people on here, just a few discussions about eye surgery of late.

[marina]

Hi guys,

I new to this forum, and I actually landed here because of a google-ing for epi-lasek. There aren't many resources on the net for this (new) eye surgery procedure, at least compared with Lasik (I could find tons of diaries for Lasik pacients, but none, well except a topic "Wish me luck!" in this forum), so I was wondering if anyone else has made this step.

I've checked out the optimax site, which seems to be very well made, but I am uncertain as to what the results of this procedure are, regarding well-known complications (especially night-driving affecting complications - like halos, glare, ghosting).

I would like to see the opinion of people that have done this, they "recovery", etc. so that I can make an opinion of my own about this procedure.

Thanks a lot!Hello Valentin :wavey: While i'm not a post-op patient so have no 'real' opinion on it's efficacy or possible complications as a result of first hand experience..... i can and have found information/medical literature on the procedure and it's success rates etc and could forward them on to you.
The real issues are.... why you're having the procedure in the first place? i.e. what is the problem that is being corrected (this would seem to affect the clinical outcome), who decided that you should have Lasek and not Lasik? Do you have a choice in your course of treatment? (sounds like you do) What country are you having the treatment in?

There are other questions that are relevant..... but PM me if you'd like further information. Please bear in mind that any information i'd be able to give you is taken from medical databases and not from the patients' perspective :shrug:

Up to you :)

[Neil]

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/search.php?searchid=299673

[Xaccers]

I'm post op :D
Very pleased with my results.
I was about -2.5 in both eyes with an astygmatism in one too.
Night vision is better than with glasses!
No grubby finger prints or dust in front of your eyes :D
Of course everyone is different, and there's more chance of night vision/haze problems the higher your prescription, so if you're on the border (about -4 I think) then LASIK (slice and flap) might be a better option)

You'll need about 5 days to recover with someone to do everything for you for the first few days, don't try opening your eyes until they are ready ok?

They lay you back and put a small metal ring on your cornea, then pour in alcohol.
This lifts off the epithelum which they move aside.
Then they zap your eyes.
Then they move the epithelum back and patch one eye and put a clear shield over the other.
They may give you bandage contacts but that increases the risk of infection of course so most surgeons don't.
Make sure you have plenty of toilet paper at home and a large bag/bin to hand!
About 4 hours after the operation, the anethetic drops wear off and my eyes started to feel hot/burning.
My nose ran. God did my nose run!
Your eyelids will glue up (this is good) and fill with tears to keep the lids off the cornea.
You'll look like someone's punched you in the eyes actually :D
When the pain starts, take the sleeping pills and sleep, don't try and fight it ok?
In the morning, there was no pain at all.
A few days after the operation I could open my eyes (don't rush this) and see although it was a bit hazy.
I was driving by the 4th day.
Make sure you go to all your follow up appoinments too!

My dad did no research and went for LASIK through BUPA and it cost him over £2000!
The dissadvantages of LASIK are that with the flap, there's the risk of infection getting in, with epi-lasek any infection would be on the surface and easier to treat.
Also, if dad ever had a blow to the eyes, the flap could pop off leaving him visually impared.
That's why things like the police force don't accept LASIK treated people.

[valentin]

:welcome:
I don't think we have any post op people on here, just a few discussions about eye surgery of late.You do have some, cuz that's how I found you on google.
I am having a mild myopia case with left -2.25D and right -2.75D diopters, with a combined -2.5D, probably with a small asigmatism (some doctors say I have some, others say I really don't :confused: ), but this is enough to make me unable to drive, watch TV, go to cinema without glasses or contacts.

I've been hearing a lot of this lasering stuff lately, the wonder cure, but as I find it, much of it is purely commercial. When I first started reading about Lasik, I thought it to be the safest thing in the world. However, I soon managed to find the "unhappy customer" sites, which gravely depict what happens if this goes wrong. Basically all people that had complications after lasik were not able to solve their problems, and for many of them it ment even loss of their formal visual acuity, as long with some microns of corneea layer.

I am fully documented (from what I was able to scrap of the net) in what each procedure is about, and some of the risks that are involved. But I always want to hear also the pacients that "went wrong" to see if they were actually helped somehow. I do not live in UK, but in Romania, which is pretty far away, so if I decide to go for it, I need it to be a one-time trip for me :).

Xaccers, could you please share with me some minor details of your pre-op status, like how large your pupils were (I haven't got mine measured yet, but they are pretty large compared with other people's!, even in the light), and how thick your corneea was before / after ? :)

Marina, can you please supply me with some statistical data about Intacs (sometimes also called Intacts) that you might have? They seem a much better option than any laser surgery, since it's somewhat a reversible process ... I haven't been able to find almost any on the net, but it seems that they got FDA approval in 2003 (US Food and Drug Administration = it's kinna safe), and the tech's been around since 1999, however not many are doing it. Maybe because everyone just wants to make good money off lasik's back? :dozey:

[SMHarman]

You do have some, cuz that's how I found you on google.
I am having a mild myopia case with left -2.25D and right -2.75D diopters, with a combined -2.5D, probably with a small asigmatism (some doctors say I have some, others say I really don't :confused: ), but this is enough to make me unable to drive, watch TV, go to cinema without glasses or contacts.<snip>
Like Xaccers, I stand corrected.

I am fully documented (from what I was able to scrap of the net) in what each procedure is about, and some of the risks that are involved. But I always want to hear also the pacients that "went wrong" to see if they were actually helped somehow. I do not live in UK, but in Romania, which is pretty far away, so if I decide to go for it, I need it to be a one-time trip for me :). <snipped here and there or should that be eximated>
One thing that Xaccers said, and that is often noted on some of the US discussion sites is that aftercare and follow up is important, really this should not be a one time trip for you, but you need to budget for 2-3 return follow up trips, also if any problems do arise, that could be many more trips. With the slow FDA approval process, many US Citizens went to Canada for LASIK (Wavefront was approved there about 3 years before the US) and when they had problems found this very expensive with lots of unbudgeted returns to Canada to see their consultant.

[valentin]

Well what I ment was more of a figure of speech :)

[Xaccers]

Valentin, no idea what my figures are, best bet is when you go for your consultation, ask the surgeon, he will be able to give you an idea of what the outcome is likely to be if you have large pupils.

A colleague who had really bad eyesight chose not to go through with it because of his large pupils. He was looking into implanted contacts due to his high prescription.

The main reason for going to all of your post op appointments is that if you don't, then you are not following their instructions and they "could" try and claim any future complications were due to this.

How old are you?
At about 45 you'll need to wear reading glasses, but a lot of people at that age need them.
Both my parents use reading glasses so I wasn't too worried.

[valentin]

The main reason for going to all of your post op appointments is that if you don't, then you are not following their instructions and they "could" try and claim any future complications were due to this.

How old are you?
At about 45 you'll need to wear reading glasses, but a lot of people at that age need them.
Both my parents use reading glasses so I wasn't too worried.I am 21 and a half right now, but anyway I plan to do this later (if ever!). I know about the reading glasses after 40-50 years old, so that's why I am thinking about alternative solutions, like monovision, or intacs, the latter seeming to be at advantage. It seems that if you have a mild myopia, as you get older, this compensates with pres...ria (or whatever that disease which appears at 40 yrs old is called) giving you the possiblity of seeing both near and far without glasses.

In plus, living far away from UK, US or any other high-tech western country, I simply do not trust our little un-experimentated-incredibly-greedy doctors here to do anything right :) so I like to be very well documented before I proceed with anything. After reading about stuff on http://www.lasermyeye.org or http://www.lasiksucks4u.com/ and even your own English clinics that gaved up on this procedure: http://www.lcrs.co.uk/menu/Lasereyesurgery ! and they seem very serious about it ...

[SMHarman]

www.surgicaleyes.org is a good resource for horror stories.

[SMHarman]

Interesting development on this in the news today (or NHS money saver).

Jonathon Carr-Brown, Health Correspondent

THE governmentââ ¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s clinical watchdog is blocking laser eye surgery on the National Health Service because of concerns over its long-term safety for patients.

A year-long review by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Nice) has concluded that †œcurrent evidenceââ‚à ƒâ€šÃ‚¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ÂÂ� on the treatmentââ‚ ¬â„¢s safety does not justify its widespread use in the NHS.

The decision will add to the controversy over the surgery, which has grown on the back of celebrity endorsement by stars such as Nicole Kidman.

Lured by the promise of †œfreedomà¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚¬Ã‚ ÂÂ� from wearing glasses and contact lenses, at least 100,000 people a year in Britain are now paying between £2,000 and £3,000 for †œcosmeticÃÂà ‚¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚¬Ã‚ƚÂÂ� eye surgery to correct myopia.

Chains such as Boots, which sold its eye surgery business to Optical Express, used to claim †œthere are no known long-term side effects or complicationsâ↚¬ÂÂ� from the popular Lasik treatment. Another company, Ultralase, boasts a 98% success rate.

However, a draft of a Nice report, to be published on December 15, has concluded: †œThere are concerns about the procedureââ‚ ¬â„¢s safety in the long term and current evidence does not appear adequate to support its use without special arrangement for consent (from the NHS).ââ‚ƚ¬Ã‚ÂÂÂ�

While the report concedes there is evidence laser surgery can help people with mild or moderate myopia, there is no clear evidence backing the safety claims made by many companies.

Nice points out myopia can be corrected safely with spectacles or contact lens. Therefore, †œan alternative treatment must have excellent safety to be suitable for useââ‚Âà ‚¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ÂÂ�.

The Medical Defence Union, Britainââ‚à ‚¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s largest insurer for doctors, has reported a doubling in the number of claims against clinics offering laser eye surgery since 1998. There is also evidence that many clinics have made overblown claims leading to exaggerated expectations and disappointment.

Last year the American Journal of Ophthalmology said the failure rate for eye surgery was one in 10, not the one in 1,000 figure widely advertised.

Which?, formerly known as the Consumersââ‚ ¬â„¢ Association, has warned that people having surgery are †œgambling with their sightââ‚ƚ¬Ã‚ÂÂÂ�. It found that some clinics do not highlight possible side effects until after patients are signed up for treatment.

Boots was censured last year by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for giving the impression that anyone having Lasik treatment would no longer require glasses or contact lenses and that complications with the operation had only arisen in America.

One potential complication, corneal ectasia, can lead to patients having to undergo a corneal transplant. According to Nice, The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and the US Food and Drug Administration have identified more than 20 other possible complications.

The surgery uses a laser to cut a piece out of the cornea, the transparent protective covering over the eyeââ‚Âà ‚¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s lens. This procedure can correct a mis-shapen lens, which would otherwise require glasses or contact lenses. The operation, which is irreversible, takes 30 minutes.

Among those concerned about its safety is Rebecca Petris, who set up the patient pressure group Lasermyeye when she suffered complications after Lasik surgery. She came out of surgery with severe double vision and no night vision. She can no longer drive.

Petris said she hoped the report would alert the public to the difference between the claims made by clinics and the concerns of the medical profession. She stressed her organisation was not against the surgery but wanted to see higher standards.

Professor Bruce Campbell, chairman of Niceâ₠¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s interventional procedures advisory committee, said: †œThis is a problem that can easily be corrected by spectacles or contact lenses, so any risk of damage to the eye by Lasik is a real concern.

†œAlthough many people have had Lasik treatment there is very little information about how many are harmed as a result.

†œWe know that vision gets worse in a few people after Lasik. Eye specialists are also concerned about the effects of thinning the cornea of the eye in the long term. We need to know more about these potential problems.â₠¬Â�

A spokesman for Ultralase, one of the first companies in the UK to offer laser eye surgery, said: †œWe believe this treatment is extremely safe.ââ‚ƚ¬Ã‚ÂÂÂ�

The company disputes many of Niceâ₠¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s figures and claims that since 1991 there have not been any longer-term side effects from the surgery among its patients.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-523-1389350,00.html
There is a second similar article here.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-2-1390686,00.html

[lasiksucks4u]

As a lasik casualty, i've experienced first hand the disastrous results from this procedure. given that i was not a candidate to begin with, i can only suggest that you take as much time as needed to weigh all options before you decide to have lasik done. DO NOT RUSH to make a decision, and by all means, even a 2nd or 3rd opinion if possible. Also, even though the technology is more advanced than in 1998 when i was done, it still does not not matter. The doctor, the laser, and most importantly whether or not you are a candidate are the key elements in deciding...

www.lasiksucks4u.com (http://www.lasiksucks4u.com)

[dilli-theclaw]

As some will know after reading my blog - I recently found out I have to have laser surgery on my eyes.

And each time I read a 'horror' story about it - it puts me off just that little bit more :(

I don't know what to do to be honest - I just don't like the idea of ANYONE going near my eyes with lasers.

[allieyoung666]

We deal with lasik and I do not know of any problems that have occoured with this treatment. What even eavsive treatment is done there is always a risk, but good luck with it!

[lasiksucks4u]

As some will know after reading my blog - I recently found out I have to have laser surgery on my eyes.

And each time I read a 'horror' story about it - it puts me off just that little bit more :(

I don't know what to do to be honest - I just don't like the idea of ANYONE going near my eyes with lasers.

if you are that apprehensive, then don't...if something 'does' go wrong, there's no going back! this is permanent for me, and i regret having made that decision every single day, and will i'm sure for the rest of my life.

dom

[dilli-theclaw]

if you are that apprehensive, then don't...if something 'does' go wrong, there's no going back! this is permanent for me, and i regret having made that decision every single day, and will i'm sure for the rest of my life.

dom

If I don't then i WILL go blind (At least that's what I was told at the eye clinic place). So I guess I don't really have that much choice in the matter. It doesn't mean that I have to like it tho.....

[absthechatter]

I had the Lasik with Ultralase. I must have been a lucky one, no pain, easier than the dentist and within an hour eyesight substantially better than 20/20 vision. No dry eyes or any other problem since.

I spent ages lurking in their forum before deciding to have it done. Lots of people write diaries and tell you daily how they are getting on. It's a good place to get info.

http://www.lasereyeforum.com/forum/
Abs

[paulyoung666]

If I don't then i WILL go blind (At least that's what I was told at the eye clinic place). So I guess I don't really have that much choice in the matter. It doesn't mean that I have to like it tho.....


how about a second opinion :)

[dilli-theclaw]

how about a second opinion :)

I think I should clarify - it's not a private clinic that I'll be going to. It's to stop the bleeding on the back of my eye due to my diabetes.

I only mention it in this thread due to my concerns about ANY eye procedure especially one involving lasers.

I have seen two different consultants about this. They both have assured me that the only practical way left is to seal the bleeding blood vessels with laser treatment.

[Russ]

This thread makes me feel SO much better about my cataract operation later this year :disturbd:

[Xaccers]

I had the Lasik with Ultralase. I must have been a lucky one, no pain, easier than the dentist and within an hour eyesight substantially better than 20/20 vision. No dry eyes or any other problem since.


Lasik is different to epi-lasek

With lasik they slice the cornea, fold it back then reshape the inside. The flap is then folded back into place, and good vision can be experienced pretty much straight away in some patients, and very little pain, if any.
Problem is, someone whacks you in the eye and you could lose that flap and be totally stuffed, and if you get an infection under the flap its harder to treat.
My dad had lasik.

Epi-lasek they use alcohol to lift off the top layer of cells from the cornea and move it aside, then reshape the cornea and slide the epithelum back. It takes a few days to recover, easier to treat infection as it'll be on the surface of the eye, but can leave the patient with dry eyes for a while (eye drops helps during this period)
Its more uncomfortable/painful, your eyes are closed for longer after the operation while the epithelum heals (mine took several days), but there's no flap to lose so it's suitable for contact sportspersons.

I am over the moon with the results, I can now scuba dive without having to wear contact lenses, which is much safer.
I don't get fog up when I go inside from the cold.
I work 12hr shifts in an airconditioned office so contact lenses weren't practical.

[absthechatter]

I knew about the differences, I made sure I did lots of research before having the surgery, our eyes are probably our most important sense and I certainly didn't want anything going wrong. On the ultralse forum there is a good mixture of those who have had lasik and those who have had lasek. It gives people interested the opportunity to see (forgive the pun) how it has worked for others. It doesn't just have the good stories on, there are the bad ones too.


There is more change of infection in the first week with Lasik, but they give you so many drops to put in your eyes, you should be OK if you follow intructions. The flap that is cut is pretty much healed in about 48 hours. My surgeon told me (don't know how true it is) that within a month, there is no more chance of the flap being dislodged than if you'd never had it done. I know after the first few weeks I gave my eyes some jolly hard rubs. Also returned to playing county rugby after 8 weeks, and also full contact Karate. I have had quite a few blows to the head, and a nice boot to the right eye which made it go extremely black, but did not dislodge the flap. If I had been wearing a contact lense, I'm sure it would have caused some damage.

I'm so glad I had mine done for the same reasons as you. It's a very personal thing though and people have to make their own decisions (unless of course you have no choice with bleeding behind the eye).
I was nervous as hell before hand and was still considering changing my mind right up to the point where the laser was wheeled over my head!!!

Abs

[valentin]

We deal with lasik and I do not know of any problems that have occoured with this treatment. What even eavsive treatment is done there is always a risk, but good luck with it!This is a Admin edit (Paul) - language removed. Have you no shame in lying to people and possible injuring them for life just to win a quick buck? What's the difference between you and a bank robber?! The bank robber tells you that if you move you'll be dead. You don't :mad::mad:

[Xaccers]

I knew about the differences, I made sure I did lots of research before having the surgery, our eyes are probably our most important sense and I certainly didn't want anything going wrong. On the ultralse forum there is a good mixture of those who have had lasik and those who have had lasek. It gives people interested the opportunity to see (forgive the pun) how it has worked for others. It doesn't just have the good stories on, there are the bad ones too.


There is more change of infection in the first week with Lasik, but they give you so many drops to put in your eyes, you should be OK if you follow intructions. The flap that is cut is pretty much healed in about 48 hours. My surgeon told me (don't know how true it is) that within a month, there is no more chance of the flap being dislodged than if you'd never had it done. I know after the first few weeks I gave my eyes some jolly hard rubs. Also returned to playing county rugby after 8 weeks, and also full contact Karate. I have had quite a few blows to the head, and a nice boot to the right eye which made it go extremely black, but did not dislodge the flap. If I had been wearing a contact lense, I'm sure it would have caused some damage.

I'm so glad I had mine done for the same reasons as you. It's a very personal thing though and people have to make their own decisions (unless of course you have no choice with bleeding behind the eye).
I was nervous as hell before hand and was still considering changing my mind right up to the point where the laser was wheeled over my head!!!

Abs

Dad was told to "blink gently" not quite sure how to do that... :D
The worst thing about the operation was the airconditioning, it was way too cold!
I have no sense of smell so I don't know if that would have been disturbing during the operation.
When I got home the painkilling drops wore off and my eyes felt like they were burning, like if you have a high temperature, or have been staring at the computer for too long.

[Alanmelon]

Hi! Resident optician here! Just my 2 cents...

- Procedures like standard lasik and lasek are obviously much more established than newer techniques (eg. Epilasek and implanted contact lenses) I think the chance of a successful outcome and fewer complications lies with those tried and tested methods.
- Whatever you decide, research your chosen clinic carefully, and specifically your chosen surgeon. Success rates vary from person to person, and anyone worth their salt should be able to provide extensive statistics and a track record of their own surgery. Don't be embarassed to ask for these.
- Have a realistic expectation. Your eyesight may not be perfect afterwards, both in terms of your prescription and other side effects like glare and haloes.
- The main considerations as to whether you're suitable relate to level of prescription, pupil size and corneal thickness. All of these interlink, and the level to which you can be treated depends on the surgeon. Some push the boundaries and often end up with less successful results.

[paulyoung666]

This is a Admin edit (Paul) - language removed. Have you no shame in lying to people and possible injuring them for life just to win a quick buck? What's the difference between you and a bank robber?! The bank robber tells you that if you move you'll be dead. You don't :mad::mad:


whoooa , chill out ;)

[Xaccers]

This is a Admin edit (Paul) - language removed. Have you no shame in lying to people and possible injuring them for life just to win a quick buck? What's the difference between you and a bank robber?! The bank robber tells you that if you move you'll be dead. You don't :mad::mad:

So you're saying that allie has actually dealt with or witnessed problems with lasik then but is lying to us about that? Wow! Are you spying on her? :rolleyes:

Perhaps you should re-read her post and you'll see that she doesn't say there are no problems at all, just that she has never come across anyone with them where she works. She even clearly stated that even so, no operation/treatment is without risks.
Perhaps now is the time to appologise to her for you comment.

[allieyoung666]

Cheers guys, no all I said was the local BUPA hospitial that I work at does lasik and I have never ever seen a procedure go wrong whilst I am there, it is a safe sterile procedure which is done with a qualified optician/eye surgeon and the patient is made to feel totally relaxed. Dilly it is just a small amount of people who have problems. Its not as if we rake your eyes out with a spoon!!!

[dilli-theclaw]

Cheers guys, no all I said was the local BUPA hospitial that I work at does lasik and I have never ever seen a procedure go wrong whilst I am there, it is a safe sterile procedure which is done with a qualified optician/eye surgeon and the patient is made to feel totally relaxed. Dilly it is just a small amount of people who have problems. Its not as if we rake your eyes out with a spoon!!!

Thanks - I'm glad they don't use a spoon. That'd probably hurt more ;):D

Seriously - thankyou. I guess it'll be ok. I think it's just the way they say some things you know.

'We'll do one eye - then the other about 5 weeks later - just in case.'

It's things like that that freak me out. 'cos I'm a wimp really.

[allieyoung666]

Hey if 77yr old women can do it u can Dilly!!!!

[Paul]

This is a Admin edit (Paul) - language removed. Have you no shame in lying to people ..... etc etcI suggest that if you wish to remain using this forum you learn a few manners please. Also - do not post such language, or attempt to bypass our swear filters. Thank you. :)

[Tuftus]

Thanks - I'm glad they don't use a spoon. That'd probably hurt more ;):D

Seriously - thankyou. I guess it'll be ok. I think it's just the way they say some things you know.

'We'll do one eye - then the other about 5 weeks later - just in case.'

It's things like that that freak me out. 'cos I'm a wimp really.

I know what u mean though... I have quite bad eyesight too and have considered laser surgery.

Several things have put me off... Cost and me being a wuss being just two of them!!!

:D

[SMHarman]

Thanks - I'm glad they don't use a spoon. That'd probably hurt more ;):D

Seriously - thankyou. I guess it'll be ok. I think it's just the way they say some things you know.

'We'll do one eye - then the other about 5 weeks later - just in case.'

It's things like that that freak me out. 'cos I'm a wimp really.
I'll preface this one with - i'm not an optician or eye surgeon... but...
The laser eye surgery you are having is AFAIK significantly different to optical correction surgery. Yours sounds like it is to cauterise blood vessels and however it works stick your retina in place. It will not result in the cornea being sliced off, flapped back and thinned out in parts to change the geography of the cornea.

My mother in law has had laser eye surgery on cateracts and is very very happy with the results.

All surgery anywhere carries risks, but comparing lasik with retinal / cataract surgery is probably not appropriate.

[Ajay]

I have read a lot about lasik and lasek and the differences between the two procedures.

However, having considered the pros and cons of both operations I have decided that I will not agree to lasik under any circumstances. The complications associated with the flap (including flap displacement, fluctuating vision, epithelium ingrowth, fluid pockets and infection) are just too serious to ignore. Lasek or epi-lasek however, is something that I am seriously contemplating. I understand the other risks of laser surgery such as poor night vision, dry eyes, halos, ghosting, double vision, and long sightedness are dangers common to both procedures.

There are plenty of horror stories about the lasik procedure with many patients complaining of sub standard night vision and dry eyes but I have not been able to find a single angry lasek patient. Given that lasek patients are just as likely, in theory, to encounter the common problems listed above it is surprising that none have vented their anger on the forums or laser eye surgery websites. Does it mean that lasek patients only experience 'minor' problems which they are happy to ignore?

Surely there must be one angry lasek patient out there. If so, I would be grateful for your advice and opinions so that I can make an informed decision?

[SMHarman]

From my admitidly old research it removes a front layer of the eyes cells - nobody is quite sure why those cells are different, but it removes them. The other thing I read is it hurts like hell afterwards as effectivly your eye has had a laser sandpapering into shape and the eyelids rubbing on the eye hurt.

This is a cable forum not an eye surgery forum and as you can see has had past discussions on the subject. I have not had any form of eye surgery and don't plan to.

[Xaccers]

As a happy recipient of epi lasek, I have to say, if you can take the time off work (due to the longer recovery time) and put up with the discomfort, and also have a low enough prescription to be suitable, go for epi.
The chances of infection are lower, and easier to treat as they are on the surface of the eye, not inside the flap (which is where infections tend to be with lasik, and a colleague's friend currently has an infection on one eye after lasik so I'll see if I can remember to report back next week to let you know how the anti-biotic drops are working on her).
There is more discomfort with epi-lasek, and discomfort is the best description of it, as it's not really pain.
You know when you have a fever and your eyes feel like they are burning, its like that.
My sister was given bandage lenses and had no discomfort at all, not even when they were removed.

The top layer of cells is removed after having alcohol poured onto them.
Your cornea is reshaped and then the cells are moved back into place so recovery is quicker. If they can't remove the layer of cells they proceed and recovery takes a bit longer as the cells have to grow back.

Night vision issues arise where they have to reshape an area smaller than your pupil size.
I thankfully have no issues, infact my night vision has less halo effects (one major concern of mine as I drive) than while I was wearing glasses (which invariably got dirty during the day)