Flap Complications of LASIK

ABSTRACT

Laser in situ keratomileusis[LASIK]for myopia reduces the risk of corneal haze but adds to the risk of flap complications. We assessed the incidence of flap complications overall, the management, the impact of the complications on best corrected visual acuity[BCVA], and the trend in these complications during the surgeon's learning curve in the series of 621 eyes undergoing LASIK.Twenty[3.2%]of 621 eyes had flap-related complications.The incidence of intraop-erative complications was fourteen eyes[2.2%], and it included irregular keratectomy in ten eyes[1.6%], incomplete keratectomy in four eyes[0.6%].The incidence of postoperative complications was six eyes[1.0%], and it included epithelial ingrowth in five eyes[0.8%], and diffuse lamellar keratitis in one eye[0.2%].There weren't grave complications such as infectious keratitis or corneal perforation.There was no change between preoperative and postoperative BCVA in seventeen eyes[85%].No eye lost 2 or more lines of BCVA because of flap complications. In conclusion, flap complications after LASIK were relatively uncommon, and rarely lead to a permanent decrease in visual acuity.Physician experience with the microkeratome and the careful handling of the corneal flap may be important to decrease the incidence of flap mplications.But even though it occurs, proper management and treatment will result in good surgical outcomes without grave visual impairment.