Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
Corneal and Limbal Alkali Injury Induction Using a Punch-Trephine Technique in a Mouse Model
Published on: August 4, 2023
Rapid Epithelial Ingrowth Following Laser In Situ Keratomileusis due to Screwdriver Trauma
Yuhan Kuo1, Takashi Ono1, Yukako Taketani1
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, u-tokyo.ac.jp.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to report a unique case of rapid epithelial ingrowth following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap trauma due to a flat blade screwdriver.
Observations:
A 36-year-old woman who had undergone LASIK 9 years ago experienced ocular trauma with a flat-blade screwdriver during construction work. She was referred to our hospital with complaints of blurred vision and pain in the right eye and was prescribed antibiotic eye drops. Treatment improved the corneal epithelial defect within 3 weeks of the injury; however, epithelial ingrowth rapidly progressed beneath the LASIK flap 3 months after the trauma. The epithelial ingrowth reached the pupil area 10 months postinjury; nevertheless, the patient's corrected visual acuity remained stable (1.2), and she continues to be followed up.
Conclusion:
Post-LASIK trauma may lead to epithelial cell ingrowth at the interface of the corneal flap. Thus, careful long-term follow-up is essential, particularly following post-LASIK corneal injury.
