Flap-Lift LASIK 10 or More Years After Primary LASIK.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Refractive Surgery
• Corneal Surgery

Background:

• Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common refractive surgery.
• Long-term outcomes of retreatment, particularly flap-lift LASIK after a significant interval, require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and efficacy of flap-lift LASIK performed more than 10 years after the primary LASIK procedure.
• To identify potential complications associated with delayed LASIK retreatment.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing flap-lift LASIK 10+ years post-primary LASIK.
• Inclusion criteria: availability of primary treatment records and at least 45-day follow-up refraction.
• Study included 23 eyes from 20 patients; median interval was 13.9 years.

Main Results:

• 96% of eyes maintained preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA).
• Epithelial ingrowth occurred in 9% of eyes, with one case requiring multiple treatments and PRK.
• 80% of eyes targeting plano achieved uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) equal to preoperative CDVA.

Conclusions:

• Flap-lift LASIK is a safe and effective retreatment option for refractive errors when performed 10-18.7 years after the initial surgery.
• Epithelial ingrowth is the main complication, necessitating careful surgical technique and monitoring.