Management of post-laser in situ keratomileusis epithelial ingrowth using neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser
Ibrahim M. Amer, Hamdy O. Abd-Alrhman, Amira H. Abd-ElhamedBackground and aim
Epithelial ingrowth is more likely following flap lift and retreatment during laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) procedures. One novel approach to treating post-LASIK epithelial ingrowth is using a noninvasive neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. The current study aimed to assess the efficacy of the Nd:YAG laser for treating epithelial ingrowth following LASIK.
Patients and methods
In all, 50 eyes of 50 post-LASIK epithelial ingrowth patients were included. The following were performed for the patients: assessment of refraction errors, UCVA, BCVA, slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination of the anterior segment, and evaluation and classification of the ingrowth. All eyes were treated with Nd:YAG laser. These patients were seen 2–16 months after LASIK. Follow-up biomicroscopy was performed to assess the breakdown of the ingrowth.
Results
More than two-thirds of cases reported myopic LASIK type. There was significant improvement in UCVA 6 months post-YAG in comparison to pre-YAG (0.16±0.07 and 0.56±0.2). The mean value of astigmatism showed significant improvement 6 months post-YAG in comparison to the pre-YAG value (0.35±0.15 and 1.0±0.05). Significant change was seen in spherical equivalent 6 months post-YAG in comparison to pre-YAG (0.25±0.25 and 1±0.75). There is a highly significant difference between the grade of epithelial ingrowth and sessions needed for complete treatment.
Conclusion
This procedure should be used as the first line of treatment for progressive ingrowth that causes discomfort or changes in refractive error.