title: Maddox rod effect to confirm the visual significance of laser in situ keratomileusis flap striae.
abstract: Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap striae can act as a Maddox rod, producing streaks of light perpendicular to the orientation of the striae. This phenomenon can be used in the diagnostic and surgical decision-making process after LASIK. We correlated persistent complaints of starburst by a patient to the presence of LASIK flap striae in both eyes. The more severe striae were subsequently treated with phototherapeutic keratectomy, with complete resolution of symptoms. The LASIK flap striae-induced Maddox rod effect can be used as a simple and useful method with high diagnostic and therapeutic value.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Catherine J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Samir A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Melki
mesh_terms: D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000473:pathology*; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012029:Refraction, Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000473:pathology*; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult