ABSTRACT
Epi-LASIK refers to an alternative surgical approach for the mechanical epithelial separation by a motorized mechanical epi-separation device. With this technique, the epithelial separation is performed using an instrument that was initially designed in the University of Crete to operate similarly to a microkeratome and was developed by a specialized surgical instruments manufacturer (Duckworth and Kent, Baldock, England). This motor-driven device (Norwood Abbey Eyecare, Australia) features a proprietary blade that separates the epithelial layer without dissecting corneal stroma. Suction pressure and blade’s oscillation frequency and head advance speed was optimized based on tests performed on
porcine eyes (Fig. 1). The particular characteristics of the device under patent are currently undergoing clinical trials in Europe and awaiting appropriate Food and Drug Administration (FDA) device approval in the United States.
