EPI-LASIK is a slight variation of the LASIK procedure. This procedure also uses the excimer laser to reshape the cornea under a thin flap of the superficial epithelium, or surface skin cells, of the cornea. This is similar to LASEK and PRK.  This thin epithelial flap is created using a blunt microkeratome blade instead of a sharp blade as with LASIK. The difference between EPI-LASIK and LASEK / PRK is that no alcohol is placed on the eye to cause the epithelium to loosen.  The blunt microkeratome blade does the separation without the need to use an alcohol solution. After the treatment the epithelial skin cells are replaced. A bandage soft contact lens is placed on the eye until the epithelial flap re-adheres to the underlying cornea (usually 3-4 days).