title: Late traumatic flap dislocations after LASIK.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the management and outcome of late onset traumatic dislocation of LASIK flaps.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective, interventional case series presents three patients with late onset LASIK flap dislocation following mechanical trauma 1 to 7 years postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all cases, the flap was surgically repositioned. Epithelial ingrowth was removed and diffuse lamellar keratitis was treated with an intensive steroid regimen. All patients returned to their preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. Aggressive steroid treatment during the perioperative period and meticulous handling of the epithelium are important in preventing further recurrence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laser in situ keratomileusis flaps may experience mechanical dislocation as late as 7 years postoperatively. Diffuse lamellar keratitis and epithelial ingrowth are associated with flap dislodgment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, University Eye Center, Hong Kong Eye Hospital, People's Republic of China. artcheng@netvigator.com
authors.forename: Arthur C K
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Srinivas K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: Gloria Y S
authors.initials: GY
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.forename: Alvin L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Dennis S C
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Lam
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids