Outcome of flap subluxation after laser in situ keratomileusis: results of 6 month follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcome in cases with flap subluxation after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

SETTING

Private clinic in Turkey.

METHODS

Data of all patients who had LASIK were documented and the follow-ups of those who had flap subluxation evaluated. The number of LASIK cases was 1481 and the number of flap subluxations, 21. Laser in situ keratomileusis was performed with the Moria microkeratome and the VISX Twenty/Twenty B excimer laser using a multizone profile and the sutureless hinged corneal flap technique.

RESULTS

The incidence of flap subluxation was 1.42%. Statistical analysis of uncorrected visual acuities, best corrected visual acuities, and mean spherical equivalents in eyes with and without flap subluxation was performed. No significant differences were found, although the results in eyes with flap subluxation were worse than those in eyes without flap subluxation. Additional complications were also higher in eyes with flap subluxation.

CONCLUSION

Flap subluxation is a serious but manageable complication of LASIK. If it is detected early, the visual prognosis is as good as that in eyes without flap subluxation.