April 23, 2003
Partial Flap During Laser in situ Keratomileusis: Role of Smaller Diameter Corneal Flap of Original Thickness
JOURNAL OF REFRACTIVE SURGERY Vol. 19 No. 2 March/April 2003
To report results of smaller diameter corneal flap of original thickness in the management of partial flap during laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).Retrospective review of the case records of three patients (3 eyes) who had a partial corneal flap during LASIK.Retreatment was performed using an 8.5-mm-diameter corneal flap, which was smaller than the original partial flap of 9.5-mm diameter. The recut depth was maintained as the original cut depth of 160 µm. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. At follow-up 4 weeks later, two patients had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20. One patient had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 that improved to preoperative best spectacle- corrected visual acuity of 20/30 with a correction of +0.50 -1.25 x 170°.
CONCLUSION
A smaller diameter corneal flap of original thickness can be used for retreatment of partial flap during LASIK. A thicker posterior stromal bed after laser ablation may be retained with this technique, compared to retreatment using a corneal flap of greater thickness. [J Refract Surg 2003;19:165-168]
Posted by mehdi khanlari at April 23, 2003 06:10 PM