Spontaneous regression of dense epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis.
OBJECTIVE
To present a case of dense epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) that spontaneously regressed 20 months after surgery.


METHODS
A 34-year-old woman underwent bilateral LASIK. On postoperative day 1, a large downward displacement of the flap in the right eye was observed. The flap was repaired; however, epithelial ingrowth from the flap edge was noted 1 month later at the 1, 5, 8, and 11 o'clock positions.


RESULTS
At 4-month follow-up, the epithelial ingrowth was stable at the 1, 8, and 11 o'clock positions but a dense sheet of epithelium was noted at the 5 o'clock position. At 15 months postoperatively, all epithelial ingrowth had resolved except for that at the 5 o'clock position. At 20 months postoperatively, the ingrowth at the 5 o'clock position had also regressed.


CONCLUSIONS
Dense epithelial ingrowth does not always require surgical intervention. Surgery is necessary only when the epithelium appears to be progressing, affects visual function, or causes flap melting.
Lin
Jane-Ming
JM
Department of Ophthalmology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Tsai
Yi-Yu
YY
Tseng
Sung-Huei
SH
D000328:Adult; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000473:pathology*