Purpose: To describe a new, single-step, transepithelial and trans-LASIK flap topography-guided surface ablation technique in a case of recurrent epithelial ingrowth with visual disturbances caused by irregular astigmatism, scattering, and decreased corneal transparency after LASIK.
Methods: Custom ablation through both the epithelium and the LASIK flap performed by 1-kHz flying spot excimer laser was used to transform an irregular corneal surface into a regular aspheric surface and in the same continuous process to ablate the epithelial ingrowth causing the irregularity.
Results: Visual rehabilitation was achieved, the corneal surface was regularized, and epithelial ingrowth was removed within the ablation.
Conclusions: The transepithelial topography-guided surface ablation technique was safe and effective in this case of visually disturbing epithelial ingrowth after LASIK, and may also be applied to treat other types of flap/interface complications.