Fluorescein test for the detection of striae in the corneal flap after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE: To report a technique for detecting striae in the corneal flap aft er laser in situ keratomileusis. METHODS: Fluorescein dye was instilled in the eye, and the patient was aske d to blink. The tear film was examined at the slit lamp with the cobalt fil ter 1 or 2 seconds after blinking. RESULTS: The uneven pattern of pooling in the tear film was a sensitive ind icator of the presence of striae in the flap. CONCLUSION: This technique may be useful in detecting minimal striae in the corneal flap in patients with unexplained suboptimal visual acuity after l aser in situ keratomileusis. (Am J Ophthalmol 1999;127:717-718. (C) 1999 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.).