Intraoperative Management of Partial Flap during LASIK: A Small Case Series Report

Purpose: To report the intraoperative management of incomplete microkeratome LASIK flaps. Design: Small, retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. Participants: Five outpatients. Methods: In 5 eyes of 5 patients, the premature stop of the microkeratome resulting from mechanical obstacles resulted in an incomplete flap that would not allow for the completion of the LASIK procedure. After the careful realignment of the partial flaps and the removal of the identified obstacles, the second pass of the microkeratome resulted in flaps of the intended size. Main Outcome Measures: Final creation of a flap as intended, completion of the procedure, and visual and refractive outcome of the operative eyes. Results: The second pass of the microkeratome resulted in flaps as planned. All the procedures were completed, and the operative eyes that were followed up for at least 3 months had excellent visual and refractive results. Conclusions: The second pass of the microkeratome can successfully manage incomplete flaps resulting from microkeratome premature stop as a result of mechanical obstacles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]