Retreatment after LASIK using epithelial ablation alone.
OBJECTIVE
Retreatments after refractive surgery may be associated with complications similar to the original surgical procedure. Excimer laser ablation of the epithelium may be associated with fewer complications and may prevent the need for flap-lift retreatment after LASIK.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review identified eyes that had undergone epithelial retreatments after primary LASIK. Treatment was performed with excimer laser correction on a dry intact epithelium.


RESULTS
Of the 27 eyes that were treated in this fashion, 8 (29.6%) eyes went on to subsequent flap-lift retreatment. The most common complication at 1 day was punctate keratopathy (7 eyes, 25.9%). No eyes lost best spectacle-corrected visual acuity during follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
The high rate of subsequent flap-lift retreatment, as well as the lack of statistically significant changes in refractive error, will limit the usefulness of epithelial retreatments. Because of the low incidence of complications, improvement in a small number of patients, and the lack of desire of some patients to undergo further flap-lift retreatment, epithelial retreatment may be useful in some eyes with minimal residual refractive error after LASIK.
Harter
Deanna E
DE
Minnesota Eye Consultants, Minneapolis, Minn, USA.
Hardten
David R
DR
D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012030:Refractive Errors / Q000503:physiopathology; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps