Epithelial growth within the lamellar interface after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
OBJECTIVE
To report the occurrence and follow-up of ectopic, interface, epithelial growth after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in four eyes (three patients) and provide suggestions for management.


METHODS
Each eye was examined by slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and corneal topography was obtained with the Tomey TMS-1 instrument.


RESULTS
Each eye with epithelium within the interface after LASIK developed interface opacities and surface irregularity. One eye had an early surgical intervention, and three eyes were observed. Each eye lost at least one line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and had visual disturbance at the last follow-up visit.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of epithelium within the lamellar interface is a significant complication after LASIK. In some cases, interface epithelium may be associated with early postoperative inflammation. When reoperation is required to treat this complication, we suggest scraping of both sides of the interface with a metal blade. In some cases, light excimer laser treatment can be used to facilitate epithelial removal.
Helena
M C
MC
Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA.
Meisler
D
D
Wilson
S E
SE
D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001706:Biopsy; D002455:Cell Division; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods / Q000473:pathology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014792:Visual Acuity