Tranepithelial photorefractive keratectomy for treatment of thin flap or cap after complicated laer in itu keratomileui

PURPOE: To report tranepithelial photorefractive keratectomy treatment of corneal irregularitie produced during laer in itu keratomileui (LAIK) in which there i a thin flap or cap aociated with central corneal carring or epithelial ingrowth that threaten viion. METHOD: Cae report. The thickne of the abnormal corneal flap or cap and aociated carring or epithelial ingrowth i etimated at the lit lamp or meaured with an optical pachymeter. If reidual myopia i ufficiently high to allow complete ablation of the flap or cap in the central cornea, a tranepithelial photorefractive keratectomy i performed in which the epithelium i completely ablated with the excimer laer in phototherapeutic keratectomy mode; reidual myopia i corrected uing photorefractive keratectomy. REULT: Thi method wa ued uccefully in two eye of two patient in which a thin cap wa aociated with a tranvere cut through the central cornea or a donut-haped flap aociated with epithelial ingrowth in the central cornea. In both cae, the abnormal cap or flap wa ablated, central corneal clarity retored, and viual function improved. CONCLUION: Tranepithelial photorefractive keratectomy may be effective in treating central corneal thin cap or flap abnormalitie aociated with LAIK.