Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy retreatment after laser in situ keratomileusis

Abstract

Results indicate that LASEK retreatment after LASIK is a safe and effective alternative when LASIK retreatment is deemed unsafe because there is not sufficient residual corneal stromal bed or when retreatment is required many years after LASIK and relifting the original flap is expected to be problematic.

Surface ablation techniques

“…35,36 The ability to modify initial refractive corrections plays an important role when evaluating a treatment modality in general or for a particular patient. Retreatments with surface ablation procedures have been performed after prior surface ablation, 37-39 on a LASIK flap, [40][41][42] and after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. 38 The advantage of PRK or LASEK in eliminating the residual refractive error after IOL implantation in a phakic or aphakic eye is that it can be done as early as refractive stability is achieved; ie, after 4 to 6 weeks.…”

Apodized diffractive intraocular lens implantation after laser in situ keratomileusis with or without subsequent excimer laser enhancement

“…16,17 In these cases, surface excimer laser retreatments may be preferred. 18 In our series, although some eyes had epithelial nests in the periphery, none required treatment for the epithelial ingrowth.…”

Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy retreatment surgery

“…Unlike in our study, the attempted correction and ablation depth was less than 2.0 D and less than 40 mm, any case. The pre-retreatment refractive error in the 2 eyes was C1.00 and C1.40 D. Saeed et al 10 also investigated LASEK without MMC following initial LASIK for the correction of residual myopia and hyperopia and report safe and effective results. One major issue related to surface ablation is how to manage the corneal epithelium.…”

“…6 The outcomes of LASEK retreatment surgery following prior LASIK have been reported by several authors. [7][8][9][10] Mitomycin-C (MMC) is often used during surface retreatment surgery to modify the corneal wound-healing process to prevent haze. Mitomycin-C is an alkylating antibiotic derived from Streptomyces caespitosus, with antifibroblastic properties that inhibit protein synthesis by blocking DNA and RNA replication.…”