Management of traumatic flap dislocation six years after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis

We report a case of laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap dehiscence caused by blunt trauma six years after uneventful refractive surgery. A 28-year-old man presented three hours after being struck by a tree-twig to his right eye, causing dislocation of the LASIK flap. At initial examination, the best visual acuity (BCVA) was 6/120 in the right eye. A large flap dehiscence was seen on the nasal corneal quadrant. Flap repositioning, along with a therapeutic bandage soft contact lens, was immediately done, and topical medical therapy was initiated. Ten days after trauma, BCVA was 6/9 in the right eye. At the 7-month follow-up, the right eye vision of the patient was stable, with no fresh ocular complaints. A BCVA of 6/6 was achieved one year post-operatively. Blunt corneal trauma occurring several years after uneventful LASIK may cause corneal flap dehiscence. Appropriate and prompt treatment usually is successful.