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LASEK innovator gives epi-LASIK high marks
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ROME — Epi-LASIK with the Centurion epikeratome from Norwood Eyecare is a beneficial innovation of laser epithelial keratomileusis, according to Massimo Camellin, MD, who developed the LASEK technique in 1999.
“At first I wasn’t sure that mechanical separation could be an advantage, especially in eyes with a strongly adherent epithelium,” said Dr. Camellin, here at the winter meeting of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. “Now that I have tried it, I must say that the mechanical device facilitates epithelial detachment in all eyes and makes surgery easier and more predictable also for beginner surgeons.”
Postoperative results in terms of patient comfort, recovery time and vision are comparable in the two techniques, but the epi-LASIK flap is easier to replace, smoother and more integral than the manually created LASEK flap, he added.
“I am going to introduce this innovation in my routine laser procedures,” Dr. Camellin said, “although I think there is still some scope for alcohol separation in some cases. In patients with retinal problems, suction is better avoided, and also re-treatment with LASEK will continue to be performed with alcohol. The two techniques can be quite complementary.”
Dr. Camellin is currently finishing a study comparing the mechanical and alcohol separation techniques in 80 patients. Each patient will be treated with standard LASEK in one eye and epi-LASIK in the fellow eye.