Laser in situ keratomileusis flap suturing to treat recalcitrant flap striae

Abstract

Purpose To describe the management of resistant laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap striae using interrupted sutures. Setting Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. Methods Interrupted sutures were used to treat striae in the LASIK flaps in 7 eyes of 7 patients. The mean interval from LASIK to the time of suturing was 11.8 months (range 3.0 to 29.0 months). The preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was 20/20 –2 to 20/100. All patients had subjective visual complaints with spectacle correction, and all corneas had obvious macrostriae on slitlamp biomicroscopic examination. Results The mean patient follow-up was 7.0 months (range 1.5 to 14.0 months). Six patients regained a BSCVA of 20/20 or better with resolution of preoperative irregular astigmatism and subjective visual disturbance. In 1 patient, mild central striae recurred. Conclusion Flap suturing was an effective means of treating visually significant flap striae.