Purpose: To present a case of dense epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) that spontaneously regressed 20 months after surgery.
Methods: A 34-year-old woman underwent bilateral LASIK. On postoperative day 1, a large downward displacement of the flap in the right eye was observed. The flap was repaired; however, epithelial ingrowth from the flap edge was noted 1 month later at the 1, 5, 8, and 11 o'clock positions.
Results: At 4-month follow-up, the epithelial ingrowth was stable at the 1, 8, and 11 o'clock positions but a dense sheet of epithelium was noted at the 5 o'clock position. At 15 months postoperatively, all epithelial ingrowth had resolved except for that at the 5 o'clock position. At 20 months postoperatively, the ingrowth at the 5 o'clock position had also regressed.
Conclusions: Dense epithelial ingrowth does not always require surgical intervention. Surgery is necessary only when the epithelium appears to be progressing, affects visual function, or causes flap melting.