Revolution in Lasik technique

Ciba Vision has announced that the Centurion Ses EpiEdge epikeratome device has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This device is used in the refractive surgical procedure called epi-Lasik, a technique which was developed by the Greek oculist, Ioannis Pallikaris, who contributed to its introduction to the world.

'Once more, we are on the threshold of such an important step ahead in refractive surgery' stated Robin Terrel, president of Ciba Vision Surgical, 'that we can state the Lasik technique will be completely revolutionized'.

The EpiEdge epikeratome device is not a blade in the strict sense, but a "separator" that creates an epithelial flap, so eliminating the need for alcohol that is used in some refractive laser procedures (including Prk and Lasek). As alcohol is toxic to epithelial cells, the elimination of this substance from the surgical procedure results in faster healing and less pain for the patient. Compared to the usual microkeratome device, EpiEdge creates a reproducible delamination of the epithelium. The result is a significant reduction in many of the flap complications of Lasik.