Partial flap during laser in situ keratomileusis: Role of smaller diameter corneal flap of original thickness

PURPOSE: To report results of smaller diameter corneal flap of original thickness in the management of partial flap during laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: Retrospective review of the case records of three patients (3 eyes) who had a partial corneal flap during LASIK. RESULTS: Retreatment was performed using an 8.5-mm-diameter corneal flap, which was smaller than the original partial flap of 9.5-mm diameter. The recut depth was maintained as the original cut depth of 160 mum. No intraoperative or. postoperative complications were noted. At follow-up 4 weeks later, two patients had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20. One patient had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 that improved to preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/30 with a correction of +0.50 -1.25 x 170degrees. CONCLUSION: A smaller diameter corneal flap of original thickness can be used for retreatment of partial flap during LASIK. A thicker posterior stromal bed after laser ablation may be retained with this technique, compared to retreatment using a corneal flap of greater thickness.