The Amadeus II microkeratome (Advanced Medical Optics Inc, Irvine, CA, USA) used for the creation of a LASIK flap has an upgradeable platform that will allow the user to perform mechanical separation of the corneal epithelium before photorefractive treatments. With the use of this device, the corneal epithelium can be separated from the underlying stroma without previous preparation of the corneal surface with alcohol. The separated epithelial sheet can either be removed or replaced on the operated cornea after photoablation. This surgical procedure, which has been called Epi-LASIK, represents an advanced alternative surface ablation photorefractive procedure for the correction of ametropia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical visual outcomes, healing rates, and patient satisfaction when performing surface ablation procedures using mechanical vs. alcohol separation of the epithelium.