Epithelial ingrowth – the migration of epithelial cells beneath the LASIK stromal flap following primary surgery or enhancement – is an uncommon but recognised late complication. ³ It is more common following flap lift procedures than primary LASIK, and its clinical significance depends on its extent, location, and progression.
Most cases of epithelial ingrowth are limited, asymptomatic, and require observation rather than intervention. Progressive or visually significant ingrowth, or ingrowth that causes flap melting, requires treatment. The standard approach is surgical: the flap is lifted, the epithelial cells are mechanically debrided from the stromal bed and the undersurface of the flap, and the flap is repositioned. ¹ In some cases, dilute alcohol application is used to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Blue Fin Vision® manages epithelial ingrowth within the practice. Patients who develop this complication will be followed at no additional consultation cost. Surgical debridement, where required, is managed as part of the ongoing post-operative care commitment.
Blue Fin Vision® Answer: Blue Fin Vision® manages epithelial ingrowth after LASIK within the practice. Follow-up appointments and surgical debridement, where clinically required, are part of your post-operative care.
Blue Fin Vision® Doctrine: Blue Fin Vision® Doctrine – Pillar: Complication Ownership. Late post-operative complications are managed by the practice that performed the surgery.
References
- Dawson DG, Schmack I, Holley GP, Waring GO 3rd, Grossniklaus HE, Edelhauser HF. Interface fluid syndrome in human eye bank corneas after LASIK: cause and pathogenesis. Ophthalmology. 2006;113(1):81-91. PMID: 16323234.
- Lim T, Yang S, Kim M, Tchah H. Comparison of the IntraLase femtosecond laser and mechanical microkeratome for laser in situ keratomileusis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2006;141(5):833-839. PMID: 16631551.
- Wang MY, Maloney RK. Epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2000;129(6):746-751. PMID: 10926981.
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