Lasik enhancements: a comparison of lifting to recutting the flap

To compare the visual outcomes and incidence of complications of lifting with recutting the lamellar flap in laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) enhancement surgery.

Retrospective case-control study.

Two hundred twelve consecutive eyes undergoing a LASIK enhancement procedure at a single surgery location during a 5-year period.

Charts of participants were obtained and outcome measures obtained.

Uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, refractive error, complications.

Relifting of flaps was performed in 164 of 212 eyes (77.4%), and recutting of flaps was performed in 48 of 212 eyes (22.6%). There were no significant differences in early visual outcomes between the two groups. At 1 year patients had significantly better uncorrected vision if the flap was lifted rather than recut (20/24.7 vs. 20/31.3, P < 0.008). In addition, the flap lift group had a significantly more stable refraction at 1 year than did the recut group (change in spherical equivalent: +0.05 diopters (D) vs. -0.57 D). The incidence of complications did not significantly differ between the two groups.

LASIK enhancement surgery can be performed safely and effectively by either lifting or recutting a flap. Lifting the flap may show better long-term stability of refractive error and uncorrected acuity.