Dr. Pyfer was the first surgeon to perform Epi-LASIK & PRK at the Wills Eye Surgery Center in Bucks County, and he has extensive experience with this new blade-free technique to help ensure your comfort and safety. However, individuals that have thin corneas with insufficient tissue can still undergo laser vision correction at Northern Ophthalmic Associates.
Epi-LASIK, also known as ASA and PRK, is a recommended alternative to LASIK when there is not enough corneal thickness to safely create the corneal flap or when one’s lifestyle does not allow for adequate eye protection during the healing period for LASIK. Like LASIK, Epi-LASIK reshapes the cornea with a laser to improve vision. However, instead of making a flap on the cornea, with Epi-LASIK the surgeon uses a fine instrument to remove only the very thin layer of surface cells, called the epithelium. These cells regenerate quickly, over a period of three to five days in most cases. After the cornea has been properly shaped, a bandage contact lens is placed over the eye to protect it as the surface cells heal. It takes about a week for the epithelium to repair itself. Once it has regenerated, the contact lens is removed and most patients can return to work.
There are benefits and drawbacks to surface procedures. Because surface procedures do not create the corneal flap, there is no risk of flap-related complications as the eye heals. However, the epithelium must repair itself after surgery, so the recovery is slower. Some also report mild discomfort during recovery, but we can prescribe medications to relieve discomfort.
Surface procedures are often recommended to active duty military personnel, professional athletes, or individuals that work in occupations such as law enforcement, where there is a higher risk of eye trauma that could damage a healing corneal flap.
How Do I Know What Is Right for Me?
The procedure recommended, if any, is customized for every patient, and can only be determined during an extensive ocular evaluation with Dr. Pyfer and his refractive team at either our Jenkintown or Wills Eye locations. The consultations are typically less than two hours and Dr. Pyfer will let you know all your options and then offer his recommendation. We can discuss your options for treatment, payment plans, insurance benefits, pre-operative and post-operative care. Each consultation is tailored to address your concerns.
The refractive consultations are FREE, and it is the best way to determine if laser vision correction can enhance your lifestyle like it has so many others.
If you would like to learn more or are ready to take the next step toward a clearer tomorrow, please email lasik@northernophthalmic.com or call 215-885-6830 to contact Laura Arruda, our Refractive Coordinator.
Choosing a Surgeon: What Sets Us Apart?
The technology used is certainly important, but the skill and experience of your LASIK surgeon is what matters the most. Dr. Mark Pyfer, unlike high-volume LASIK “factories,” takes the time to ensure that every patient receives the very best care and attention. Dr. Pyfer, your surgeon, is with you every step of the way. Though the procedure is quick — about 15 minutes — we don’t rush our patients in and out of the office to make room for the next one in line.
Dr. Pyfer and his refractive team are proud to provide exceptional quality care from the first contact with our patients to their final follow-up appointment. We are with you every step of the way. We do not outsource your care to an optometrist, and best of all, you always see your surgeon.
We don’t pressure our patients into undergoing a procedure that isn’t right for them. Every patient receives an extensive evaluation from Dr. Pyfer to determine whether a refractive procedure is right for them to safely achieve their best-corrected visual acuity. Dr. Pyfer has personally performed thousands of vision correction procedures; specializing in Custom Wavefront IntraLase, LASIK, ICL procedures, Epi-LASIK, and Laser Assisted Refractive Cataract procedures.
Learn More about Laser Vision Correction
If you would like to discuss your laser vision correction treatment options with the team at Northern Ophthalmic Associates, call or email us to schedule a consultation.