AIM:To compare safety,effectiveness and superiority for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism between epipolis laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis(Epi-LASIK)and laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis(Epi-LASEK) with an epikeratome.METHODS:A prospective study was performed on 21 myopia patients(42 eyes) to compare Epi-LASIK with Epi-LASIK plus alcohol(which we call Epi-LASEK).Alcohol(200mL/L) was used for 20 seconds before making the flap in the Epi-LASEK treatment group.In each patient,right eye was operated on with Epi-LASEK and the left with Epi-LASIK.Mean spheroequivalent was-5.60±2.90D,mean astigmatism was 1.40±1.20D before the operation.This study focused on flap quality and pain with and without alcohol.Refraction,haze and UCVA were checked preoperatively,and on the 2 weeks,1 month,3 months postoperatively.The result were statistically compared and analyzed.RESULTS:The Epi-LASEK treatment group had less postoperative astigmatism and haze than the Epi-LASIK group.Alcohol addition in the Epi-LASEK treatment group contributed to better flap.Pain did not increase in the Epi-LASEK treatment group(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Epi-LASEK is a safe and effective treatment for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism.