Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is currently the most common surgical technique in refractive surgery and has an excellent safety record. However, although rare, flap or interface complications such as incomplete, decentered, buttonholed or lacerated flaps; improperly replaced free-cap; striae; wrinkles or folds; along with diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) or recurrent epithelial ingrowth, can lead to visually irregular astigmatism and/or optical scattering. These complaints are difficult to manage with common techniques such as flap relift, recut, or traditional surface ablation.
Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single-step, transepithelial, topography-guided surface ablation in the treatment of visual disturbances including irregular astigmatism and light scattering caused by LASIK flap or interface complications.
After the study, it was concluded that corneal regularization and removal of the underlying flap or interface pathology by cTEN ablation appears to be an effective treatment for LASIK flap or interface complications associated with visually disturbing irregular astigmatism and light scattering in cases with sufficient residual stromal thickness.