Retreatment by Lifting the Original Laser in Situ Keratomileusis Flap after Eleven Years

Purpose: To describe a case of successful laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) retreatment over a previous LASIK surgery after 11 years Case report: The patient had his first LASIK for the correction of -2.25 -1.75×90° and -2.25 - 1.00×90° in the right and left eye, respectively. Eleven years later, the refraction in the right eye was plano -3.25×80° and he was scheduled for an enhancement procedure by relifting the old LASIK flap. Ablation was made with the Allegretto Concerto excimer laser. Results: Three months postoperatively, the right eye uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/20, the refraction was plano -0.50×160°, the flap was intact, and the cornea was clear. One year after retreatment the refraction was stable and there was no sign of epithelial ingrowth. Conclusion: LASIK retreatment can be safely performed by lifting the original flap even more than one decade after primary operation provided that the residual stromal bed is adequate.