Treatment of persistent epithelial ingrowth after Lasik with mechanical debridement, use of 20% alcohol and fibrin glue

ABSTRACT

Lasik is the most often performed laser refractive surgery worldwide. Despite its efficacy and safety, some complications may occur. Epithelial ingrowth is a rare postoperative complication of Lasik, with an increased prevalence in cases of retreatment. Epithelial ingrowth is usually a nonprogressive and asymptomatic finding, which requires no treatment; however, in a minority of cases, symptoms may be clinically significant and diverse. Treatment is done with mechanical debridement of the affected interface, and additional interventions may be required. This study reported a case of recalcitrant epithelial ingrowth after Lasik, whichrelapsed four times after mechanical debridement, flap lift and laser ablation. In the fifth intervention, the patient was finally treated with a combined scraping/use of 20% alcohol and fibrin glue. However, regression of epithelial ingrowth and better visual acuity were only observed some months after the intervention, which shows the importance of waiting for better vision in the postoperative period, thus avoiding new reinterventions.

Epithelial ingrowth; Alcohol; Fibrin glue; Laser in situ keratomileusis; Visual acuity