Repositioning of free cap four days after LASIK.
OBJECTIVE
To report management and outcome of late repositioning of flap dislodgement after LASIK.


METHODS
A 27-year-old man underwent LASIK in the right eye for correction of myopia, which was complicated by free cap. The flap was repositioned, but dislodged 2 days later. The dislodged flap was stored in balanced salt solution for 48 hours and repositioned 4 days after initial surgery.


RESULTS
Postoperatively, the flap remained apposed, but diffuse lamellar keratitis and epithelial ingrowth developed, which was managed with topical steroids and topical mitomycin C. Stromal haze gradually decreased by 16 months postoperatively, resulting in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/20.


CONCLUSIONS
Flap dislodgement > 48 hours postoperatively can be repositioned with good visual outcome. The flap should be preserved in the event of such complication.
Cheng
Arthur C K
AC
Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China.
Wong
Victoria W Y
VW
Rao
Srinivas K
SK
Lam
Dennis S C
DS
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects / Q000601:surgery*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D008297:Male; D016685:Mitomycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D009926:Organ Preservation / Q000379:methods; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012086:Reoperation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*
D016685:Mitomycin; C009935:prednisolone acetate; D011239:Prednisolone