Post–Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis Epithelial Ingrowth and Its Relation to Pretreatment Refractive Error

PURPOSE: To assess the incidence of epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis and its correlation with myopic or hyperopic treatment. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 1000 consecutive LASIK procedures performed by 3 surgeons using identical surgical technique with a Hansatome microkeratome. Eyes that developed epithelial ingrowth were evaluated using the Machat grading system. Patients were subdivided into 2 groups (myopic or hyperopic) based on the preoperative refractive error. RESULTS: The total incidence of epithelial ingrowth was 4.7%. The incidence after primary treatment was 3.9%. The incidence after enhancement was 12.8%. The total incidence of epithelial ingrowth was 3% in the myopic group compared with 23% in the hyperopic group. After primary myopic treatment, there was a 3% incidence of epithelial ingrowth compared with 17% after primary hyperopic treatment. The incidence after enhancement was 7% in the myopic group and 43% in the hyperopic group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis have a greater incidence of epithelial ingrowth than those undergoing myopic treatment. In addition, enhancement procedures have a higher incidence than primary procedures.