Flaporhexis: rapid and effective technique to limit epithelial ingrowth after LASIK enhancement

We describe a method of lifting and replacing the laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap to reduce the incidence of epithelial ingrowth beneath the flap after LASIK enhancement. In the rapid flaporhexis technique, the flap edge is opened by 1 clock hour with a Sinskey hook and the flap is peeled back after the exposed edge is grasped with a forceps. When necessary, further blunt retraction of the flap is performed with a triangular polyvinyl acetate sponge. After ablation and before the flap is replaced, a triangular sponge is used to clear epithelial remnants from the interface. This method consistently produces a smooth epithelial dissection and decreases the possibility that epithelium is retained beneath the flap.