Survey of Ophthalmology
Volume 46, Issue 2 , Pages 95-116, September 2001

LASIK Complications:

Etiology, Management, and Prevention

  • Samir A Melki, MD, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
    • Boston Cornea Center, Boston, MA, USA
    • ,
  • Dimitri T Azar, MD

      Affiliations

    • Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, and Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint address: Dimitri T. Azar, MD, Director, Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114 USA

Abstract 

Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a rapidly evolving ophthalmic surgical procedure. Several anatomic and refractive complications have been identified. Anatomic complications include corneal flap abnormalities, epithelial ingrowth, and corneal ectasia. Refractive complications include unexpected refractive outcomes, irregular astigmatism, decentration, visual aberrations, and loss of vision. Infectious keratitis, dry eyes, and diffuse lamellar keratitis may also occur following LASIK. By examining the etiology, management, and prevention of these complications, the refractive surgeon may be able to improve visual outcomes and prevent vision-threatening problems. Reporting outcomes and mishaps of LASIK surgery will help refine our approach to the management of emerging complications.

Keywords:  complications, corneal surgery, keratomileusis, lasers, LASIK, microkeratome, photorefractive keratectomy, refractive surgery

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PII: S0039-6257(01)00254-5

Survey of Ophthalmology
Volume 46, Issue 2 , Pages 95-116, September 2001

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