Lift-flap retreatment after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the effectiveness of lifting the flap for retreatme nt of undercorrected eyes after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: We reviewed the results of 11 LASIK: patients (12 eyes) who underw ent retreatment for residual myopia by lifting the previously cut flap. Thi s was followed by treatment with the Summit Apex excimer laser and repositi oning of the flap. Average time prior to retreatment was 5 months (range, 1 to 9 mo). Follow-up was 100% at 3 months after retreatment. RESULTS: The average preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -8.73 D; average prior to retreatment was -2.24 D (range, -0.67 to -5.75 D). At 1 month after retreatment, average deviation from intended correction was 0 .08 D; at 3 months it was -0.12 D. Eleven of 12 treated eyes (92%) had unco rrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better and 4 eyes (33%) saw 20/20 or bett er without correction. Six eyes (50%) were within +/-0.50 D of intended cor rection at 3 months. No patients lost any lines of spectacle-corrected visu al acuity, CONCLUSION: Retreatment of residual myopia after LASIK by lifting the flap appears to be effective and associated with minimal complications.