Lasik enhancements: a comparison of lifting to recutting the flap.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the visual outcomes and incidence of complications of lifting with recutting the lamellar flap in laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) enhancement surgery.


METHODS
Retrospective case-control study.


METHODS
Two hundred twelve consecutive eyes undergoing a LASIK enhancement procedure at a single surgery location during a 5-year period.


METHODS
Charts of participants were obtained and outcome measures obtained.


METHODS
Uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, refractive error, complications.


RESULTS
Relifting of flaps was performed in 164 of 212 eyes (77.4%), and recutting of flaps was performed in 48 of 212 eyes (22.6%). There were no significant differences in early visual outcomes between the two groups. At 1 year patients had significantly better uncorrected vision if the flap was lifted rather than recut (20/24.7 vs. 20/31.3, P < 0.008). In addition, the flap lift group had a significantly more stable refraction at 1 year than did the recut group (change in spherical equivalent: +0.05 diopters (D) vs. -0.57 D). The incidence of complications did not significantly differ between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
LASIK enhancement surgery can be performed safely and effectively by either lifting or recutting a flap. Lifting the flap may show better long-term stability of refractive error and uncorrected acuity.
Davis
Elizabeth A
EA
Minnesota Eye Consultants, P. A., Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Hardten
David R
DR
Lindstrom
Michelle
M
Samuelson
Thomas W
TW
Lindstrom
Richard L
RL
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity