Protective effect of LASIK flap in penetrating keratoplasty following blunt trauma

Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) often results in large and unpredictable refractive errors following suture removal in the postoperative period. Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is an effective means of correcting these errors. However, LASIK following PKP is believed to further weaken an already weak graft-host junction and may predispose such eyes to traumatic dehiscence of the graft-host junction. We describe a case in which the LASIK surgery following PKP seemed to benefit the patient by preventing complete dehiscence of the graft-host junction.