Posters

A case of epithelial ingrowth after ReLEx SMILE treated successfully with Nd:YAG laser

Poster Details

First Author: P.Piccinini ITALY

Co Author(s):    R. Piccinini                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To report a case of epithelial ingrowth after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) treated successfully with Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Nd: YAG) laser.

Setting:

Sardinian ophthalmology center for laser refractive surgery (Centro Oculistico Sardo, Sassari, Sardinia, Italy).

Methods:

The Nd-YAG laser (Laserex Tango SLT/YAG laser, Ellex, Australia) was focused on the flap interface. The energy level was set at 0.2 mJ. The treatment was continued to cover the entire area of epithelial ingrowth. Bubble formation was observed at the interface after treatment. A total of 12 shots were performed.

Results:

A 40-year-old woman who underwent small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) developed epithelial ingrowth in the peri-pupillary area. The Nd: YAG laser induces a cavitation within the interlamellar space causing collateral tissue destruction where the epithelial nests are located. Photographic images and OCT scans before and after treatment performed with Nd: YAG laser will show how epithelial ingrowth reduced considerably after only one week from treatment and resolved completely after less than one month.

Conclusions:

Epithelial ingrowth is related to the implant of epithelial cells under the cap during the procedure or to epithelial cells invasion of the interface through the incision. Epithelial ingrowth is one of the potential complications after SMILE. Our case report suggests that Nd: YAG laser may be effective to resolve epithelial ingrowth into the interface after SMILE.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE