Treatment of traumatic LASIK flap dislocation and epithelial ingrowth with fibrin glue

Am J Ophthalmol. 2006 May;141(5):960-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2005.12.001.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a case of a traumatic late dislocation of a laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap complicated by epithelial ingrowth.

Design: Interventional case report.

Methods: A 50-year-old woman presented 21 months after uncomplicated LASIK with painful vision loss in the right eye after minor trauma.

Results: A dislocation of the LASIK flap was noted at examination and was repositioned. One week later, epithelial ingrowth was detected in the flap interface. The ingrowth was treated with flap lifting, debridement, and sealing of the flap with fibrin glue. Visual acuity returned to baseline, and there was no recurrence after 20 months of follow-up.

Conclusions: Traumatic dislocations of LASIK flaps may occur many months after uncomplicated surgery and may be associated with epithelial ingrowth after successful repositioning. The additional use of fibrin glue in conjunction with thorough debridement may be helpful in preventing the recurrence of epithelial ingrowth.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Corneal Stroma / injuries*
  • Corneal Stroma / surgery
  • Debridement
  • Epithelium, Corneal / drug effects*
  • Epithelium, Corneal / pathology
  • Epithelium, Corneal / surgery
  • Eye Injuries / complications
  • Female
  • Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ*
  • Middle Aged
  • Surgical Flaps*
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / drug therapy*
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / etiology
  • Tissue Adhesives / therapeutic use*
  • Visual Acuity
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / complications

Substances

  • Fibrin Tissue Adhesive
  • Tissue Adhesives