|
Surface ablation refers to the practice of applying the laser immediately underneath the epithelium & Bowman's membrane, rather than under a thick flap of stromal tissue as is done in LASIK.
In surface ablation, the epithelium has to be removed (temporarily or permanently) in order to reach the stroma. There are several ways in which it can be removed. In traditional PRK, it is removed physicially (i.e. scraped off). In LASEK, an alcohol solution is used to soften it and it is removed manually. In transepithelial PRK, an excimer laser is used both to remove the epithelium and to perform the laser ablation. In Epi-LASIK, the epithelium is lifted with a separator. And in transepithelial PRK (also called "No Touch") the epithelium is ablated (vaporised) with the same excimer laser that is used to treat the stroma.
Surface ablation techniques are continuously evolving in order to achieve faster visual recovery and less pain for the patient. |
