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Novel technique may treat LASIK flap, interface complications
J Refract Surg. 2011;doi:10.3928/1081597x-20110926-01.
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A topography-guided transepithelial technique offered corneal regularization and removal of underlying pathology in cases of LASIK flap or interface complications, a study found.
Data on 17 eyes of 16 patients with LASIK flap or interface complications who underwent treatment with a custom transepithelial "no touch" (cTEN) technique using the iVIS Suite 1-kHz excimer laser (iVIS Technology) were analyzed for uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, refraction, corneal irregularity, ocular higher order aberrations and visual symptoms.
At 15.9 months after surgery, mean uncorrected distance visual acuity improved from 20/87 to 20/25; mean corrected distance visual acuity improved from 20/28 to 20/19 (P < .001). The corneal irregularity index fell to 20.36 µm from 25.82 µm (P = .009). All patients reported that their visual symptoms were either better (eight eyes) or cured (nine eyes).
"Corneal regularization and removal of the underlying flap or interface pathology by cTEN ablation appears to be an effective treatment for LASIK flap or interface complications associated with visually disturbing irregular astigmatism and light scattering in cases with sufficient residual stromal thickness," the study authors said.