Question
I had Laser surgery back in 2001 and went back to wearing glasses in less than two years so this past October, I had another laser while traveling oversees. My vision was very blurry and uncomfortable for weeks so I thought it was part of the healing process and when it didn't get any better, I consulted an opthamologists here and was told I have ingrown Epithelial Cells. I've been on eye gel and drops, but I would like a second opinion.
Answer
Epithelial ingrowth is a well recognized and not uncommon complication following retreatment of LASIK , particularly in patients retreated by elevation of a previous LASIK flap. In one reported series of patients, the incidence of epithelial ingrowth following LASIK retreatment was 29%.
Epithelial cells will distort the flap, causing irregular astigmatism and blurred vision, may increase the incidence of infection and inflammation, and in most cases should be removed by elevating the flap removing the cells and treating with additional laser or using Mitomycin to prevent regrowth. On some occasions, small inactive accumulations of cells that are not causing significant problems are best left alone.
In some cases, recurrent sub flap epithelial cells can be very problematic, requiring more aggressive treatment such as flap suturing.
