Nd:YAG laser for epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis

To evaluate the efficacy of neodymium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for treatment of epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Fifty-eight patients with epithelial ingrowth presented to Sohag refractive center, Sohag, Egypt, between January 2015 and March 2017. Only 41 patients (18 females and 23 males, mean age: 33.4 years) involving 41 eyes were indicated for treatment by Nd:YAG laser as the rest of the eyes were only under observation. Patients with epithelial ingrowth were recognized at a mean of 6 months after primary LASIK procedure (range: 2–16 months). Four eyes had undergone previous LASIK enhancements. Four eyes had the epithelial ingrowth removed by flap lift and scrapping. The mean intensity of the spots used was 0.8 mJ with variable number of shots depending on the size and density of the epithelial ingrowth area. Twenty-eight eyes showed complete regression after one session, while the rest necessitated 2–3 sessions for complete resolution. Mean follow-up period was 8 months (range 5–12 months).

Epithelial ingrowth was treated successfully in all 41 eyes. The uncorrected visual acuities were 20/20, and there was no evidence of recurrent epithelial ingrowth after 6 months with no complications reported.

YAG laser is a simple, effective outpatient procedure for the management of epithelial ingrowth after LASIK.