How long is the recovery period for Epi-Lasik before my vision stabilizes? Can I still go for enhancement after Epi-Lasik?

Doctor's Answer

This is a more common scenario than you think. Many patients were previously unsuitable for femto-lasik (bladeless Lasik), and had no other options for refractive surgery.

Today, there is a plethora of options available to you, including epi-lasik or an implantable collamer lens!

Epi-lasik / surface ablation refractive surgery would have been offered to you as it helps to preserve sufficient cornea tissue to minimise the risk of future ectasia (progressive cornea thinning leading to severe and worsening irregular astigmatism / myopia) and / or recurrence of ametropia.

The recovery period may be slightly prolonged in comparison to femto-lasik, however vision is still reasonable and sufficient for activities of daily living including driving, computer work, reading and general sports.

Most patients do report light-sensitivity and photophobia for 2-3 days immediately after surgery, and other variables of vision (including color saturation, contrast, and side-effects of glare / haloes) are usually worse at dawn / dusk and night-time, but these gradually improve over the next several months and eventually stabilise after 3-6 months.

The most important point to note is that almost all of the myopia / astigmatism will be corrected immediately after surgery. The immediate post-operation period is commonly associated with light-sensitivity and tearing. However, the finer aspects of the vision mentioned above will gradually improve over the next several weeks, but do NOT cause significant impairment to your vision. You will be able to resume all normal activities after several days when the light-sensitivity improves.

As you mentioned, the refraction will usually have stabilised after 6 months. In the rare situation where you may need a future enhancement, this may be considered on an individual basis. You are best advised to discuss this with your surgeon before hand!

I mentioned the option of an Implantable Collamer Lens as well. This is a great procedure to help patients like yourself who want a fully reversible procedure that does not have the concerns and side-effects you had brought up.

You should have an in-depth discussion about your options with your surgeon and find a suitable solution together!

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