title: Late traumatic dislocation of laser in situ keratomileusis corneal flaps.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the management and outcome of late-onset traumatic dislocation of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flaps.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective, observational case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four patients with late-onset LASIK flap dislocation occurring after mechanical trauma at various intervals (10 days-2 months) after the procedure.
  
  
  METHODS
  In all cases of postoperative traumatic LASIK flap dislocation, the flap was refloated with scraping and irrigation of the underlying stromal bed within 12 hours of the injury. A bandage contact lens was placed, and a regimen including topical antibiotics and corticosteroids was instituted in all cases.
  
  
  METHODS
  Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and complications associated with the surgery were monitored.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Postoperative follow-up ranged from 4 to 21 months. Nonprogressive epithelial ingrowth was noted in one patient and diffuse lamellar keratitis developed in another patient. All patients recovered pretrauma spectacle-corrected visual acuity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Corneal LASIK flaps are prone to mechanical dislocation as late as 2 months after the procedure. Appropriate management results in recovery of optimal visual outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Melki
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Talamo
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Demetriades
authors.forename: N S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Jabbur
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Essepian
authors.forename: T P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: D T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Azar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery