Treatment of Epithelial Ingrowth after Laser in Situ Keratomilusis Using Amniotic Membrane Patch.

Kim, Sun Woong; Byun, Yeo Jue; Kim, Eung Kweon; Kim, Tae Im

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2007;48(2):230-237.
Published online February 28, 2007.

Treatment of Epithelial Ingrowth after Laser in Situ Keratomilusis Using Amniotic Membrane Patch.

Sun Woong Kim, Yeo Jue Byun, Eung Kweon Kim, Tae Im Kim

The Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. tikim@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr

양막반을 이용한 라식후 상피내생의 치료

김선웅,변여주,김응권,김태임

The Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence: Sun Woong Kim, M.D.

Abstract

PURPOSE
To present the result of a new technique for compressing the flap with amniotic membrane patch to manage epithelial ingrowth following a lacerated or microperforated flap near the visual axis during laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. METHODS: Four patients having epithelial ingrowth involving the visual axis were treated as follows: Under a surgical microscope, 3~5 landmark sutures were located at the margin of the flap and the flap was lifted carefully. After removing epithelial cells, preplaced corneal sutures were tied to fix the flap and a prepared amniotic membrane patch was tightly sutured to the sclera to compress the entire cornea. The amniotic membrane overlay was maintained for about a week and then removed. RESULTS: All four eyes achieved a best corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better and no eyes have shown signs of recurrence within 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic membrane patch can be a useful way to secure the flap in the treatment of epithelial ingrowth threatening the visual axis, especially when direct sutures are deemed difficult.

Key Words: Amniotic membrane patch;Button hole;Epithelial ingrowth;LASIK complication