Mah et al: "The incidence of DLK after LASIK surgery (0.75% to 32%) has increased worldwide since it was first described in 1998, paralleling the increase in the number of patients who have had this popular form of refractive surgery."
Source: J Cataract Refract Surg. 2006 Feb;32(2):264-8.
Thomas S. Boland, M.D.: "DLK can occur with even trivial trauma at any time following LASIK, even many years out from the original surgery." DLK Adds Insult to Injury. Review of Optometry. 12/17/2012
If you experienced DLK (inflammation) or other complications after LASIK, the FDA wants to hear from you. File a MedWatch report with the FDA online. Alternatively, you may call FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report by telephone, download the paper form and either fax it to 1-800-FDA-0178 or mail it to the address shown at the bottom of page 3, or download the MedWatcher Mobile App for reporting LASIK problems to the FDA using a smart phone or tablet.
One of the most common complications of LASIK is inflammation known as diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) or Sands of the Sahara. Diffuse lamellar keratitis is characterized by a diffuse white, granular infiltrate occurring within a few days after LASIK. DLK is a potentially serious, sight-threatening complication. It may be associated with redness, sensitivity to light, tearing, pain, and reduced vision.
DLK is classified by four stages depending on the severity and location of the inflammation. DLK should be immediately treated with topical steriods. If DLK progresses it may require surgical intervention. Severe cases of DLK may progress to flap melt with associated vision loss.
Proposed causes of DLK include particles from the eye drape, epithelial defects, meibomian secretions, surgical glove talc, debris from surgical sponges, and contamination of reservoir sterilizers by gram-negative endotoxins, among others. The rate of DLK is higher with femtosecond (all-laser, bladeless) LASIK flap creation than with blade-created flaps.
Click here for more information and medical studies: DLK after LASIK
Click here to read "A Mysterious Tale: The Search for the Cause of 100+ Cases of Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis".
Other articles of interest:
Deciphering femtosecond-related DLK
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