Topography-guided transepithelial surface ablation in treatment of recurrent epithelial ingrowths.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a new, single-step, transepithelial and trans-LASIK flap topography-guided surface ablation technique in a case of recurrent epithelial ingrowth with visual disturbances caused by irregular astigmatism, scattering, and decreased corneal transparency after LASIK.


METHODS
Custom ablation through both the epithelium and the LASIK flap performed by 1-kHz flying spot excimer laser was used to transform an irregular corneal surface into a regular aspheric surface and in the same continuous process to ablate the epithelial ingrowth causing the irregularity.


RESULTS
Visual rehabilitation was achieved, the corneal surface was regularized, and epithelial ingrowth was removed within the ablation.


CONCLUSIONS
The transepithelial topography-guided surface ablation technique was safe and effective in this case of visually disturbing epithelial ingrowth after LASIK, and may also be applied to treat other types of flap/interface complications.
Chen
Xiangjun
X
SynsLaser Kirurgi AS, Norway. chenxiangjun1982@hotmail.com
Stojanovic
Aleksandar
A
Nitter
Tore A
TA
D000328:Adult; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D054018:Lasers, Excimer / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation