Epithelial growth within the lamellar interface after laser in situ keratomileusis

We report on a case of 36-year-old man with excessive myopia and amblyopia who underwent laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). The surgery was performed smoothly, and visual acuity improved greatly. The patient was lost to follow-up in our clinic until 2 months later when he returned because of blurred vision. Epithelial growth within the lamellar interface was noted which disclosed white, plaquelike, confluent opacities within the lamellar interface on the visual axis. Topography showed an irregular astigmatism overlying the entrance to the pupil. The flap was lifted at the flap edge, but it was difficult to lift it around the area of epithelium growth within the lamellar interface under an operating microscope. The epithelial tightly adhered to the lamellar interface, so surgery was aborted because of the possibility of flap perforation. Prednisolone acetate 1% was used for one month, but the epithelial growth within the lamellar interface persisted. LASIK has the impressive potential to correct refractive errors. Epithelial growth within the interface after LASIK, although usually a benign complication, can lead to a poor outcome and even permanent vision loss.