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Published on: July 6, 2015
Late traumatic dislocation of laser in situ keratomileusis corneal flaps
S A Melki1, J H Talamo, A M Demetriades
1Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Purpose:
To report the management and outcome of late-onset traumatic dislocation of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flaps.
Design:
Retrospective, observational case series.
Participants:
Four patients with late-onset LASIK flap dislocation occurring after mechanical trauma at various intervals (10 days-2 months) after the procedure.
Intervention:
In all cases of postoperative traumatic LASIK flap dislocation, the flap was refloated with scraping and irrigation of the underlying stromal bed within 12 hours of the injury. A bandage contact lens was placed, and a regimen including topical antibiotics and corticosteroids was instituted in all cases.
Main Outcome Measures:
Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and complications associated with the surgery were monitored.
Results:
Postoperative follow-up ranged from 4 to 21 months. Nonprogressive epithelial ingrowth was noted in one patient and diffuse lamellar keratitis developed in another patient. All patients recovered pretrauma spectacle-corrected visual acuity.
Conclusions:
Corneal LASIK flaps are prone to mechanical dislocation as late as 2 months after the procedure. Appropriate management results in recovery of optimal visual outcomes.
