Flap complications related to LASIK surgery are uncommon, with only 2% of patients experiencing complications such as incomplete flap, irregular flap, torn flap, or excessively thin flap. The side effects and treatment of flap complications are based on the severity and type. Most flap complications can be fixed and do not result in any loss of vision. According to Dr.William Boothe of Boothe Eye Care, the majority of flap complications can be corrected using eye drops, medications, or additional LASIK surgery.

LASIK flap complications are becoming increasingly less common due to improved screening processes, the introduction of Wavefront technology, and new LASIK procedures. If you are interested in correcting your vision through LASIK, you should discuss potential complications of LASIK with Dr. Boothe. The success of LASIK surgery depends heavily on the skill of the surgeon, but it also depends on the patient. The patient must strictly adhere to instructions given by the doctor after the LASIK eye procedure. During the recovery period, following all of the guidelines provided by Dr. Boothe will help prevent flap complications.

During LASIK surgery at Boothe Eye Care, the corneal flap is created by cutting the epithelial layer of the cornea. The newly created flap is then folded back to give access to the corneal tissue deep inside. After correcting the refractive error, the corneal flap is returned to its original position and allowed to heal on its own. In order to allow the corneal flaps to heal effectively and safely, special eye care and protection is required during the recovery period.

Epithelial ingrowths are a kind of flap complication in which scarring occurs when the lining of the eye goes beneath the flap. This complication may cause distorted vision; however, if there is no visual distortion, you will not need to undergo corrective treatment. If visual distortion needs to be corrected, then Dr. Boothe will lift the flap and scrape away the epithelial cells in a separate procedure. Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea that can be treated by using topical steroids or anti-inflammatory drugs. If the inflammation becomes severe, then surgery may be required to remove the inflamed cells to prevent serious vision damage.

Ectasia is a condition in which the corneal tissue becomes too thin, and thus weak. A weak and thin cornea will result in distorted vision and bulging corneal tissue. Ectasia is difficult to correct with additional LASIK surgery, but it can be corrected using contact lenses. Extreme cases of ectasia may require a corneal transplant. Occasionally, the flap may detach from its hinge, resulting in a free flap. Normally, a free flap can be replaced safely and effectively through a surgical procedure. If the free flap is lost or damage, the cornea will repair itself with new cells during the recovery period.

The formation of wrinkles in the corneal flap is known as striae, which occurs most often in association with the correction of myopia. Striae can occur in hyperopic correction and also due to stress or trauma. Severe striae can result in reduced vision and ghosting. Striae can be corrected by repositioning the flap. A torn or irregular flap may lead to the development of a hole, resulting in a condition known as buttonhole flap. Buttonhole flap can also be caused during surgery by a poorly fitted or worn microkeratome. If this happens, the surgeon must stop the surgery immediately to avoid further damage. The surgeon will allow the flap to heal before performing surgery again.

Keratoconus is a disorder in which the cornea becomes weak, thin, and abnormally shaped. This progressive disorder causes the eye to become cone-like in shape and can result in severe loss of vision. Symptoms of keratoconus usually appear during the late teenage years and gradually progress for about 10 to 20 years. In some cases, the condition will stabilize after a period of time. Keratoconus can affect each eye differently. The symptoms of keratoconus are nearsightedness, astigmatism, glare, blurred vision, frequent prescription changes, light sensitivity, and Munson’s sign (distortion of lower eyelid due to corneal protrusion).

The root cause of this disorder is unknown, but it is believed that genetics play a major role. According to recent research, enzymes in the eyes malfunction, and the resulting chemical imbalance causes the cornea to become thin. Chronic eye irritation, rubbing of the eyes, sun exposure, and incorrect contact lenses can increase the severity of this condition. In most cases of keratoconus, the only part of the eye that is affected is the cornea. The patient’s vision can be corrected to 20/20 using glasses during the initial stages of keratoconus. The only way to diagnose the condition is to take measurements of the cornea or to use corneal topography.

As the condition progresses, vision correction cannot be obtained using only eye glasses. Towards the base of the corneal protrusion, iron is deposited and the corneal tissue will become thin. Fine stress lines, known as Vogt’s striae, can develop gradually and in extreme cases the patient will experience a painful temporary condition known as acute hydrops. Acute hydrops occurs when water enters the thin area of the cornea, which can cause severe scarring. About one in 2,000 people develop keratoconus; however, most patients suffer from a mild to moderate form of keratoconus.

At the onset of the condition, Dr. Boothe recommends gas permeable contact lenses or eye glasses to correct mild cases of keratoconus. Specifically designed contact lenses are essential in severe cases, as the cornea will be more distorted. Each individual will require a unique contact lens design. Dr. Boothe will evaluate the patient’s condition to provide for the best vision results, corneal health, and comfort. The progression of keratoconus can be slowed by using eye drops with riboflavin content and a specific light to help strengthen the collagen present in the eyes.

Conductive keratoplasty guided by a topographic map of the cornea can aid in the correction of corneal irregularities. In this procedure, radio wave energy is applied with the help of tiny probes to reshape the surface of the eye. Customized treatment is made possible by the creation of a topographic map. Intacs, plastic rings placed inside the cornea, can be inserted to help the cornea maintain its shape and stabilize the condition. By maintaining the shape of the cornea, the patient may be able to wear contact lenses.

According to Dr. Boothe of Boothe Laser Center, corneal transplants and keratoplasty procedures are considered last resorts for keratoconus, after other treatment procedures have failed. More than 90% of corneal transplantation surgeries are successful in treating keratoconus. Corneal transplantation helps many patients obtain 20/40 vision or better using contact lenses or eye glasses.

The IFC Advanced Femtosecond Laser was approved by the FDA in 2008. This innovative laser system was developed for patients with unique vision problems. The iFC Advanced Femtosecond Laser allows to Dr. Boothe to offer his patients a more accurate procedure. The first and most important step of Lasik surgery is the flap creation. Successful creation of the flap strongly influences the recovery period and post-operative treatment. The iFC Advanced Femtosecond Laser is one of the latest achievements in laser eye surgery technologies in the world.

The new standard of speed and accuracy allows to surgeon completely customized your eye correction procedure according to your individual cornea. Dr. Boothe of Boothe Eye Care controls all flap creation on a touch screen with high-resolution digital images of the cornea. Since the flap is created without pain or discomfort, patients are highly satisfied with the procedure. Optimal eyesight result is obtained when eye surgery is performed more accurately.