Incidence and management of epithelial loosening after LASIK

To determine the incidence of recurrent epithelial loosening (REL) following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and evaluate the efficacy of anterior stromal micropuncture (ASP) and the application of bandage contact lenses (BCLs) in the management of REL after LASIK. A retrospective study including all individuals who underwent LASIK with a microkeratome between January 2006 and January 2007. Medical records were reviewed to identify patients who were diagnosed as having epithelial loosening with or without epithelial defects. Data were collected on 5,566 eyes that underwent LASIK with a microkeratome. Eight eyes (0.14 % or one in 696 eyes) of seven patients had REL with or without epithelial defects. Frequent lubrication, BCL application, and ASP were needed for four eyes (50 %) in the management of REL, respectively. All patients remained free of symptoms after completion of ASP. REL following LASIK is uncommon. Follow-up of patients showed that BCL application and ASP were effective in the management of REL following LASIK.