<h1>The other side of the Lasik Surgery </h1>

Laser in situ keratomileusis, popularly known as LASIK is a laser eye surgery used to correct vision refractions to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Under the ideal conditions, patients that undergo lasik surgery get well soon. Patients may develop post-operative complications if the surgery is not properly conducted.   The major among the complications would be development of Corneal epithelial cell growth on the visual axis that severely damages the vision. In such cases, patient’s cornea melts away gradually, leading to complete loss of vision if the epithelial growth is not properly handled.

Corneal flap is the first step in the Lasik surgery, which is created by placing a ring over the cornea. This allows some space between the flap and the stroma, leading to corneal epithelial cell growth. Corneal peripheral structure will be cut for this purpose. Lifting of the cornea experiences flap manipulation and cellular migration, leading to ‘corneal epithelial’ growth.

Hassan Aboumerh et al in their study observed the case of a 50 year old woman that developed corneal epithelial growth 15 years after the initial surgery.  She was hurt in her garden when a twif poked her eye and she was admitted as an emergency case. Slit lamp examination of the cornea after the initial injection of conjunctiva showed corneal abrasion of the epithelium temporally surrounded by mild corneal edema. The flap was intact and its edges were not involved. Doctors administered tobramycin/dexmathesaone ophthalmic drops to the patient and advised her to be present after a week. Patient recovered quickly. Keeping the potential threat of the in growth to the optic nerve, the doctors have removed the epithelial growth. The patient was put on ofloxacin and prednisolone acetate drops and was observed for a day. She returned with a clear visual axis and a smooth flap. One month later, there was no return of epithelial ingrowth and the patient's vision was still 20/20 in both eyes.