Epithelial growth within the lamellar interface after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

PURPOSE

To report the occurrence and follow-up of ectopic, interface, epithelial growth after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in four eyes (three patients) and provide suggestions for management.

METHODS

Each eye was examined by slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and corneal topography was obtained with the Tomey TMS-1 instrument.

RESULTS

Each eye with epithelium within the interface after LASIK developed interface opacities and surface irregularity. One eye had an early surgical intervention, and three eyes were observed. Each eye lost at least one line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and had visual disturbance at the last follow-up visit.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of epithelium within the lamellar interface is a significant complication after LASIK. In some cases, interface epithelium may be associated with early postoperative inflammation. When reoperation is required to treat this complication, we suggest scraping of both sides of the interface with a metal blade. In some cases, light excimer laser treatment can be used to facilitate epithelial removal.