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Subconjunctival gas bubble Formation during LASIK flap creation using femtosecond laser
Takeshi Ide1, George D Kymionis, David A Goldman
1Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33136, USA.
Journal of Refractive Surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995)
|October 17, 2008
Summary
Subconjunctival gas bubbles can occur after LASIK flap creation using a femtosecond laser. These transient bubbles typically resolve within 24 hours without impacting visual acuity.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Laser Surgery
- Corneal Procedures
Background:
- Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common refractive surgery.
- Femtosecond lasers are increasingly used for LASIK flap creation.
- Understanding potential intraoperative complications is crucial for patient safety.
Observation:
- A case report details a 19-year-old male undergoing bilateral LASIK with the IntraLase femtosecond laser.
- Subconjunctival gas bubbles formed along the corneal limbus in one eye during flap creation.
- No bubbles were observed in the peripheral cornea or in the fellow eye.
Findings:
- The subconjunctival bubbles were visible 30 minutes postoperatively.
- Complete resolution of the bubbles was noted by the following day.
- Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity was excellent (20/20) in both eyes.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential, transient complication of femtosecond laser LASIK.
- Subconjunctival gas bubbles appear to be a benign finding.
- Ophthalmologists should be aware of this phenomenon during LASIK procedures.
