2M.D. Professor, Haddasas University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Jerusalem/ISRAEL Purpose: To describe clinical characteristics and modified flap suturing techniques in patients with epithelial ingrowth following LASIK.
Materials and Methods: All patients requiring surgery for epithelial ingrowth following LASIK from January 2008 to January 2011 with a minimum follow up of 6 months were evaluated. Surgery was performed for symptomatic eyes with epihelial ingrowth greater than 2-2.5 mm. Surgical procedure included; marking of the ingrowth area, primary suturing of the flap in the marging of ingrowth, lifting flap until sutured place, debriding of epithelial cells from stromal bed and flap interface, partial irrigation and suturing rest of the flap.
Results: From 11 patients who had treated for epithelial ingrowth, 8 (72.7%) had history of LASIK enhancement and 4 (36.4%) had intraoperative epithelial defect. The mean preoperative spectacle corrected visual acuity was 0.74 preoperatively and 0.94 postoperatively. No recurrences observed during a mean follow up of 15 months after epithelial debridement and modified suturing technique.
Conclusion: Flap lifting LASIK enhancement procedures and intraoperative epithelial defects are important risk factors for epithelial ingrowth. Primary suturation allows for lifting of the flap in the effected area, protecting healthy stroma and providing effective results.
Keywords : LASIK, epithelial ingrowth, flap suturing