Complications of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)

Abstract

Laser-in-situ-keratomileusis (LASIK) is one of the most commonly done refractive surgeries round the globe. It has become a popular technique of refractive surgery because of lower postoperative discomfort, early visual rehabilitation and decreased post-operative haze. This review journal aims to give a brief outline about intra and postoperative complications of LASIK, clinical presentation and management guidelines for these complications. Intraoperative complications include free cap, buttonhole flap, flap tear, decentered ablation, interface debris and femtosecond laser related complications like vertical gas breakthrough and opaque bubble layer. Postoperative complications include flap striae, epithelial ingrowth, diffuse lamellar keratitis, residual refractive error, refractive regression and many more. The knowledge about these complications help the surgeon in early identification and timely intervention for achieving optimal visual outcome.