Purpose: To analyze the incidence, type, management and evolution of complications in laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Methods: Retrospective non-comparative case series. LASIK was performed in 1000 eyes using the Hansatome® or the Automated Corneal Shaper® microkeratomes, and the VISX 20/20B or the Chiron Technolas 217C excimer lasers. Intraoperative, early and late postoperative complications were reviewed. Results: Mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was -4.29 ± 3.20D. Average follow-up was 6.05 ± 6.69 months. There were 5 (0.5%) intraoperative microkeratome-related flap complications (3 thin flaps, 1 buttonhole and 1 small flap). The most frequent early postoperative complication was microwrinkled flaps (6.4%), followed by interface debris (4.1%), the non-diffuse intralamellar keratitis (1.1%), haze (0.4%), interface epithelial ingrowth (0.4%) and dislocated flaps (0.3%). Most of these reported events were successfully managed. Late refraction-related complications were analyzed in 655 eyes with a minimum follow-up of 3 months. At the last examination, mean SE was -0.26 ± 0.76D. Eight per cent were undercorrected by more than -1.00D and 1.67% was overcorrected by more than +1.00D. Reoperation was necessary in 28 eyes (4.27%). Five cases (0.76%) lost 2 or more lines of best spectacle corrected visual acuity. There were no sight-threatening complications. Conclusion: LASIK is a safe refractive procedure with few complications.
Laser in situ keratomileusis; Laser in situ keratomileusis; Refractive errors; Prospective studies; Intraoperative complications; Postoperative complications
