Epithelial Ingrowth After Minor Corneal Abrasion in Post-LASIK Patient
Purpose
This report evaluates a case of epithelial ingrowth after a minor corneal abrasion without corneal manipulation or displacement of the LASIK flap.
Methods
A 50-year-old white female with a remote history of LASIK presented to the clinic with pain and vision changes in her left eye after suffering trauma to it with a twig. Slit lamp examination revealed corneal epithelial cell ingrowth at the LASIK flap despite there being no corneal manipulation or displacement of the flap. The ingrowth extended temporally at 2:00. Visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye. The rest of the ophthalmic examination was within normal limits.
Results
The LASIK flap was lifted, revealing epithelial ingrowth at the visual axis. This ingrowth was debrided from the cornea and the flap was replaced. She was prescribed ofloxacin and prednisone drops for 2 and 3 weeks, respectively. 1 month later, the epithelial ingrowth had since resolved. The patient's vision was 20/20 in both eyes and the patient denied any pain. Slit lamp examination revealed a left eye corneal LASIK flap scar with a clear interface and no wrinkles, staining, or pooling.
Conclusion
This report exemplifies a unique presentation of corneal epithelial ingrowth and emphasizes the need for close follow-up and examination of all LASIK patients even after minor trauma.