Treatment of corneal epithelial in-growth after excimer laser in situ keratomileusis.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate efficacy of photo therapeutic keratectomy (PTK) on corneal epithelial growth under the lamellar flap after excimer laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS:In the 6 eyes with epithelial in-growth, the corneal cap was lifted, and the in-growing epithelium was removed from the interface. Five to 10 pulses of PTK being 7 mm in diameter were placed over the undersurface of the flap and the stromal bed, irrigation between the interface and replacing corneal flap were performed, and 50 to 75 pulses PTK being 3 mm in diameter were utilized to smooth the flap edge. The follow-up period ranged from 5 to 12 months. RESULTS:In the follow-up, no epithelial implantation reoccurred in these 6 eyes. The uncorrected visual acuity achieved their best preoperative corrected visual acuity. CONCLUSION:The results indicate that PTK can prevent recurrent epithelial in-growth after LASIK.