LASIK complications - Epithelial Growth

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R. Doyle Stulting, MD, PhD: "About 50% of all LASIK patients will have post-op epithelial ingrowth by pathologic examination." Source: EyeWorld, March 2006

"The reported incidence of post-LASIK epithelial ingrowth ranged from 0%-3.9% in primary treatment to 10%-20% in retreatment cases." Source: Ting DSJ, Srinivasan S, Danjoux J. Epithelial ingrowth following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK): prevalence, risk factors, management and visual outcomes. BMJ Open Ophthalmology 2018;3:e000133. doi: 10.1136/bmjophth-2017-000133

Epithelial ingrowth complications or other problems from LASIK? 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.  Patients with LASIK complications are invited to join the discussion on FaceBook

Reported treatments for epithelial ingrowth. Quote: "Techniques for removal include scraping of epithelial ingrowth and excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). The flap is reflected and the ingrowth is removed by peeling off as a sheet using fine forceps or by scraping from both the stromal bed as well as the undersurface of the flap. The bed is then irrigated well before replacing the flap. Excimer laser PTK may also be used to remove the epithelial cells. Adjuncts, such as cryotherapy, Nd:YAG laser, a chemotherapy drug and sutures, may lead to a decreased incidence of recurrence. Some authors have reported success with ethanol and laser therapy for recurrences. The major problem in the management of epithelial ingrowth is the high incidence of recurrence after treatment. Recurrence of epithelial ingrowth after treatment has been reported to be as high as 44%." End quote. (Source: Amar Agarwal, MS, FRCS, FRCOphth. Tips for preventing and treating epithelial ingrowth after LASIK. Ocular Surgery News U.S. Edition, October 1, 2006). Editor's note: The webmaster of this site does not endorse these treatments.