J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2002 Mar;43(3):631-636.

A Case of Conversion to PRK Due to Lost-Free Cap in LASIK

• Kim YJ
• Chung ES
• Kim WJ

Abstract

PURPOSE: LASIK has several advantages over PRK such as less postoperative pain, quicker visual recovery, virtually no corneal haze and low incidence of myopic regression. But the primary disadvantage of LASIK is that flap-related complications rarely can occur.
METHODS
In the LASIK procedure of a 30-year-old woman, we experienced the crescent form lost-free cap which developed in the direction of 4~7 clock hours and then we converted to PRK.
RESULTS
Postoperative visual acuity showed 1.0 . On slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination we were able to find the completely healed cornea including lost-free cap site epithelium. On topography, we were able to find the improvement in the irregular surface of lost-free cap site.
CONCLUSIONS
Intraoperative flap complications of LASIK are relatively uncommon, but we should consider the possibility of those complications. And though it may occur, proper management will result in good surgical outcomes without severe visual impairment.

Keyword

LASIK; Lost-free cap; Microkeratome

MeSH Terms

Adult
Cornea
Epithelium
Female
Humans
Incidence
Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ*
Pain, Postoperative
Vision Disorders
Visual Acuity