Amniotic membrane as a biologic pressure patch for treating epithelial ingrowth under a damaged laser in situ keratomileusis flap

Abstract

We present 2 patients who had epithelial ingrowth after intraoperative laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) complications that created defects in the flap near the visual axis. As an adjuvant to removing the epithelium, an amniotic membrane patch was sutured tightly to the episclera so that it covered the entire cornea. The amniotic membrane overlay was left in place for about 1 week. There was no evidence of recurrent epithelial ingrowth after a minimum of 4 months. Use of an amniotic membrane overlay can be an effective adjuvant therapy to secure a LASIK flap when direct suturing would threaten the visual axis.