How common is flap dislocation after LASIK?

Postoperative laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap dislocation occurs in approximately 1%-2% of patients, and the greatest risk of non-traumatic flap shift occurs within the first post-operative day after the surgery, presumably as a result of a mechanical trauma[1]–[3].

What if flap moves after LASIK?

If your LASIK flap is dislodged or has shifted for any reason, you will need to seek medical treatment immediately. It is highly likely that the clinic where you had your eye surgery will provide you with an emergency phone line in the off-chance that you experience any postoperative LASIK flap complications.

How do you know if my flap is dislodged?

When the flap moves out of place, it’s referred to as LASIK flap dislocation. If you’re wondering how to tell if your LASIK flap has moved, rest assured that you’ll know. Symptoms include pain, discomfort, watering, and/or blurry vision.

Can flap striae heal on its own?

Striae never spontaneously resolve, and earlier treatment has a greater chance of success, because flap striae become more difficult to remove later in the postoperative course. 8 When we see flap striae in the immediate postoperative period, we treat visually symptomatic patients as soon as possible.

Can the flap Move years after LASIK?

Most dislocations occur in the early postoperative period as a result of mechanical disruption such as forceful blinking or eye rubbing. However, Schmack et al. showed that LASIK flaps may be lifted without complications up to 8 years, 5 months after initial surgery.

How do you fix a LASIK flap dislocation?

Conventional management of a dislocated flap uses medical eye drops and a bandage contact lens. For larger areas of dislocation, surgical management with lifting and repositioning the flap is preferred. In our case, the flap was secured with nine sutures with gradual suture removal.

How common are LASIK flap complications?

Flap complications after LASIK surgery are extremely rare, occurring in roughly 0.2 percent of all surgeries performed. In most of these cases, no permanent visual impairment results from the complication.

Is LASIK flap easy to dislodge?

Joking aside, the corneal flap attaches to the rest of the cornea by a hinge and once closed, the seams quickly merge into the surrounding tissue. So there is no chance of losing your flaps. However, if you do rub your eye shortly after surgery, there is a small chance you may dislodge the corneal flap.

How long does it take for LASIK flap to heal completely?

The epithelial incision at the edge of the flap heals within the first three to four hours. Attachments between the cornea and flap (stromal healing) start within the first few weeks and are maximized within six to twelve months.

How common is flap striae?

Although the incidence of flap striae in most refractive surgeons’ offices is usually under 5%, it is nonetheless one of the most common complications of LASIK. According to Ernest Kornmehl, MD, striae are usually more the surgeon’s fault rather than the patient’s.

Can I get LASIK again after 20 years?

Patients with vision that’s changed several years after LASIK could undergo LASIK again. The first step is to contact the practice that originally performed your procedure. You’ll need another LASIK consultation. This ensures your surgeon finds a second procedure necessary.