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Nd:YAG laser effective for eliminating epithelial ingrowth after LASIK, study finds

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Post-LASIK epithelial ingrowth can be effectively treated using an Nd:YAG laser, according to a retrospective study by researchers in Spain.

Maria José Ayala, MD, and colleagues reviewed outcomes over 2 years follow-up for 30 eyes treated with an Nd:YAG laser for epithelial ingrowth that developed after LASIK.

"Each [laser] impact produced an explosion with evaporation of epithelial cells giving rise to bubbles. The mean intensity of the spots was 0.6 mJ, and they were variable in quantity depending on the size of the epithelial ingrowth area," the study authors said.

After treatment, the opacities caused by the epithelial ingrowth had disappeared in 80% of cases, although 40% of cases required two or more laser sessions to completely eliminate the ingrowth, according to the study.

"In 60% of the cases, visual acuity improved by one or more lines of vision and the corneal topography was more regular," the authors said.

In all cases, the laser treatment also improved visual symptoms, such as glare and halos; no patients experienced any complications, according to the study, published in the April issue of American Journal of Ophthalmology.