Laser in situ keratomileusis interface deposits

BACKGROUND: A clinical investigation was undertaken to determine the origin of a brown interface deposit that developed in 15 eyes after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: The LASIK procedure was evaluated and agents that were thought to be related to these brown deposits in the interface were eliminated sequent ially. Eyes were observed after LASIK for presence or absence of the deposi t. RESULTS: Twenty-five consecutive LASIK eyes in which a methylcellulose spon ge was eliminated as a protector of the hinge developed no similar interfac e deposits. CONCLUSION: The use of a dry methylcellulose sponge to protect the hinge ma y result in unexpected interface deposits after LASIK.