ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To examine the clinical course, treatment, and outcome in 5 cases of epithelial ingrowth following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING: The Eye Institute, Sydney, Australia. METHODS: Five patients with adequate follow-up were selected. Each patient had developed epithelial ingrowth as a consequence of LASIK, and each represented a different clinical course in terms of severity, time, and treatment of the epithelial ingrowth. RESULTS: Treatment ranged from observation, lifting and manual removal, phototherapeutic keratectomy, alcohol application, removal of the corneal cap, and penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Outcomes ranging from retention of preoperative best corrected visual acuity to the need for PKP reflect the wide disparity in the severity of this complication and the therapeutic interventions required. CONCLUSION: Epithelial ingrowth is a relatively uncommon complication following LASIK. Suggestions for prevention and treatment are made.
