Disruption of ingrown epithelium via Nd:YAG laser or DIEYAG. A retrospective case series of Post-LASIK patients

PURPOSE: To describe in detail the technique used and results of disruption of ingrown epithelium via Nd:YAG laser (DIEYAG) after LASIK treatment and enhancement. OBSERVATIONS: Epithelial ingrowth following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) enhancement has the potential to cause significant refractive error and discomfort when allowed to progress. This retrospective case series following seven eyes after LASIK enhancement and one eye with flap trauma, assessed the effectiveness and safety of the disruption of ingrown epithelium via Nd:YAG laser. In all cases, we found that the progression of ingrown epithelium was eliminated. Using best spectacle corrected visual acuity and topography as our main outcome measures, we found that refractive error and visual disturbance caused by ingrowth stabilized or improved, with no subsequent complications identified. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: The disruption of ingrown epithelium via Nd:YAG laser offers a safe and effective alternative to other treatments for epithelial ingrowth after LASIK treatment and enhancement.