Epithelial ingrowth within the interface following traumatic corneal lamellar laceration

A 45-year-old patient with a traumatic corneal lamellar laceration who was treated conservatively initially developed an epithelial ingrowth within the flap-stroma interface, causing diminished vision. Confocal microscopy revealed highly refractive bodies without cellular elements at the flap-stroma interface. Treatment comprised surgical debridement of the epithelial sheet from the interface with a thorough irrigation of the stromal bed followed by careful realignment of the flap. The diagnosis was confirmed by histologic examination of the scraped specimen. At the last follow-up examination, vision had improved and there was no recurrence of epithelial ingrowth. Proper primary management of a traumatic corneal lamellar laceration can provide good visual outcome and prevent rare complications such as epithelial ingrowth.