Although the use of femtosecond lasers instead of mechanical devices has decreased the incidence of flap complications following laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), dislocations and striae still occur. Flap repositioning is an effective intervention to improve visual outcomes after acute flap complications in both microkeratome-assisted and femtosecond-assisted LASIK. This retrospective case series included patients undergoing flap repositioning secondary to acute flap dislocation and/or visually significant striae within the first two weeks following femtosecond LASIK (FS-LASIK) from 2015 to 2020 at a single institution. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative de-identified data were analyzed for incidence, risk factors, and visual acuity outcomes. The incidence of flap repositioning was 0.35% in 21,536 eyes (n = 70). Indications for repositioning included acute flap dislocation (35.7%) and visually significant striae (64.3%). High myopia (OR = 3.04, p = 0.001) and patient age over 50 years (OR = 3.69, p = 0.001) were the strongest risk factors for these complications. Prior to flap repositioning, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/20 or better and 20/40 or better occurred in 19% and 57% of eyes, respectively. After repositioning, a final UDVA of 20/20 or better and 20/40 or better occurred in 78% and 98% of eyes, respectively. After repositioning, one line of UDVA was lost in two eyes (2.8%) and two lines were lost in one eye (1.4%). Risk factors for acute flap dislocation included high myopia and age over 50 years. Flap repositioning was effective in salvaging visual outcomes.
Incidence, Risk, and Visual Outcomes after Repositioning of Acute Non-Traumatic Flap Dislocations Following Femtosecond-Assisted LASIK
