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Published on: July 6, 2015
Epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis
1Jules Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|August 6, 2000
Summary
Epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis is rare but can recur. Treatment involves mechanical removal of ingrown cells and ensuring flap adherence.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Refractive Surgery
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common refractive procedure.
- Epithelial ingrowth is a potential complication following LASIK surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and risk factors of clinically significant epithelial ingrowth after LASIK.
- To evaluate the recurrence rate and visual outcomes following treatment for epithelial ingrowth.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 3,786 eyes undergoing primary LASIK and 480 eyes undergoing enhancement LASIK were reviewed.
- Clinically significant epithelial ingrowth was defined as requiring surgical removal.
- Risk factors such as postoperative epithelial defects and intraoperative loose epithelium were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The incidence of significant epithelial ingrowth was 0.92% after primary LASIK and 1.7% after enhancement LASIK.
- A postoperative epithelial defect was associated with ingrowth in 14 of 43 eyes.
- Recurrence of epithelial ingrowth occurred in 10 of 43 eyes after surgical treatment.
Conclusions:
- Clinically significant epithelial ingrowth is an infrequent complication of LASIK.
- Epithelial ingrowth is hypothesized to result from surface epithelial cell migration under the flap postoperatively.
- Complete mechanical removal of epithelium and secure flap apposition are recommended treatments.
