Air bag-induced corneal flap folds after laser in situ keratomileusis.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We describe a case of air bag-induced ocular trauma resulting in folds in the corneal flap 3 weeks after laser in situ keratomileusis. METHODS: Case report. Three weeks after laser in situ keratomileusis, a 20-year-old man was involved in a motor vehicle accident and sustained blunt trauma to the right eye, which caused corneal flap folds, corneal edema, anterior chamber cellular reaction, and Berlin retinal edema. RESULTS: Six weeks after laser in situ keratomileusis, persistent flap folds necessitated re-operation with lifting of the flap and repositioning. One week after the procedure, the visual acuity improved to 20/20-2, and the folds had cleared. CONCLUSION: Trauma after laser in situ keratomileusis may produce folds in the corneal flap. With persistence of these folds, management by lifting and repositioning the corneal flap may be necessary to permit recovery of visual acuity.