Complications of sequential keratorefractive and vitreoretinal surgery

We describe 2 complications of sequential keratorefractive and vitreoretinal surgery not previously reported. Epithelial ingrowth occurred in 1 patient who experienced laser in situ keratomileusis flap dehiscence and replacement during vitreoretinal surgery. In the second patient, a flap could not be created with a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser because of anatomical changes from previous vitreoretinal surgery. Anatomic repair of the vitreoretinal pathology and completion of keratorefractive surgery with good visual outcomes were achieved in both patients. Flap stability should be an important operative consideration for vitreoretinal surgeons; patients may have to be informed of the risk for and possible subsequent complications of iatrogenic flap dehiscence. Refractive surgeons operating on patients after vitreoretinal surgery may encounter difficulty creating a LASIK flap even with a femtosecond laser and may need to consider other keratorefractive options.