Lift-flap retreatment after laser in situ keratomileusis.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the effectiveness of lifting the flap for retreatment of undercorrected eyes after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).


METHODS
We reviewed the results of 11 LASIK patients (12 eyes) who underwent retreatment for residual myopia by lifting the previously cut flap. This was followed by treatment with the Summit Apex excimer laser and repositioning of the flap. Average time prior to retreatment was 5 months (range, 1 to 9 mo). Follow-up was 100% at 3 months after retreatment.


RESULTS
The average preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -8.73 D; average prior to retreatment was -2.24 D (range, -0.67 to -5.75 D). At 1 month after retreatment, average deviation from intended correction was 0.08 D; at 3 months it was -0.12 D. Eleven of 12 treated eyes (92%) had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better and 4 eyes (33%) saw 20/20 or better without correction. Six eyes (50%) were within +/- 0.50 D of intended correction at 3 months. No patients lost any lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity.


CONCLUSIONS
Retreatment of residual myopia after LASIK by lifting the flap appears to be effective and associated with minimal complications.
Durrie
D S
DS
Hunkeler Eye Centers, Kansas City, Missouri 64111, USA.
Aziz
A A
AA
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012086:Reoperation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity