Management of traumatic epithelial ingrowth after LASIK

Objective To analyse the management and efficacy of traumatic epithelial ingrowth under corneal flap after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Methods The data of 15 eyes of 15 cases with traumatic epithelial ingrowth after LASIK from Jun. 2012 to May. 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Twelve eyes received corneal flap lifting and sweeping and phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). The corneal flap were removed in 3 eyes with chip corneal flap. The efficacy was observed, the follow-up time was 6 months. Results The visual acuity was improved significantly after treatment. The visual acuity (Log MAR) were 0.59±0.20, 0.19±0.18, 0.09±0.13 and 0.00±0.13 before and 1 week, 1, 6 months after treatment respectively. The difference were statistically significant between before treatment and every time point after treatment (t=3.910, 14.700, 15.500; P=0.005, 0.002, 0.001). Conclusion Timely and accurate treatment is the key of obtaining satisfactory efficacy for traumatic epithelial ingrowth after LASIK. Key words: Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK); Epithelial ingrowth, under corneal flap, traumatic; Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK)