Application of a hydrogel ocular sealant to avoid recurrence of epithelial ingrowth after LASIK enhancement

To report a case of clinically significant epithelial ingrowth after LASIK that was successfully treated with a hydrogel ocular sealant in combination with flap lifting and scraping technique.

Case report.

A 56-year-old woman underwent LASIK and a LASIK enhancement procedure in 2002 and 2012, respectively. Six months after the enhancement, visually significant epithelial ingrowth developed in both of her eyes. The left eye was treated with flap lifting, scraping, and suturing, and the right eye was treated with a hydrogel ocular sealant in combination with flap lifting and scraping. No recurrence was evident during a 6-month follow-up period and visual acuity improved in both eyes. No adverse effects were noticed.

Recurrent epithelial ingrowth may be successfully avoided with the intraoperative use of a hydrogel ocular sealant combined with flap lifting and scraping. This approach could be used as an alternative to LASIK flap suturing.