To Amputate or Not to Amputate: Management of Iatrogenic LASIK Flap Dehiscence and Epithelial Ingrowth with Overlying Pseudopterygium

Abstract

A 73-year-old male with a history of myopic laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) 20 years earlier presented with a late LASIK flap dehiscence, epithelial ingrowth, conjunctivalization, and the development of a pseudopterygium in the right eye. The findings were consistent with surgical trauma, likely occurring after corneal epithelial debridement to improve visualization during pars plana vitrectomy for retinal detachment repair 3 months earlier. The patient underwent epithelial ingrowth debridement, LASIK flap reapproximation and suturing, and a conjunctival limbal autograft from the contralateral eye. The surgery was completed successfully without the need for flap amputation. Postoperatively, the patient had an uneventful course with a well-healing conjunctival graft and no interface opacity or evidence of recurrent pseudopterygium of the right eye. The graft and corneal topography remained stable after subsequent cataract surgery.

Keywords

• pseudopterygium
• lasik flap dehiscence
• conjunctival limbal autograft
• epithelial ingrowth
• conjunctivalization