PURPOSE
To describe a new, single-step, transepithelial and trans-LASIK flap topography-guided surface ablation technique in a case of recurrent epithelial ingrowth with visual disturbances caused by irregular astigmatism, scattering, and decreased corneal transparency after LASIK.
METHODS
Custom ablation through both the epithelium and the LASIK flap performed by 1-kHz flying spot excimer laser was used to transform an irregular corneal surface into a regular aspheric surface and in the same continuous process to ablate the epithelial ingrowth causing the irregularity.
RESULTS
Visual rehabilitation was achieved, the corneal surface was regularized, and epithelial ingrowth was removed within the ablation.
CONCLUSIONS
The transepithelial topography-guided surface ablation technique was safe and effective in this case of visually disturbing epithelial ingrowth after LASIK, and may also be applied to treat other types of flap/interface complications. [J Refract Surg. 2010;26(7):529-532.]
AUTHORS
From SynsLaser Kirurgi AS (Chen, Stojanovic); the Eye Department, University Hospital of North Norway (Stojanovic); and Øyelegesenteret (Nitter), Tromsø, Norway.
This study was supported by SynsLaser Kirurgi AS, Tromsø, Norway.
The authors have no proprietary interest in the materials presented herein.
The authors acknowledge Charles Stewart, OD, for his contribution to the drawing of Figure 3.
Correspondence: Xiangjun Chen, MD, MS, SynsLaser Kirurgi AS, Skippergata 7a, 9008 Tromsø, Norway. Tel: 47 45511001; Fax: 47 77647929; E-mail: chenxiangjun1982@hotmail.com
Received: May 18, 2009; Accepted: February 2, 2010
Posted online: March 1, 2010
doi:10.3928/1081597X-20100226-01
