"Cell Growth under Corneal flap" Posted by Carole on 16:14:51 8/16/2000
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I had lasik surgery on both eyes last Novemeber. I had regressed vision to the point of needing enhancement surgery in my right eye. I have develped a "cell growth" in the bed of the flap about 1.9mm in size and it is not located real close to the pupil. I don't know the name of the condition and there doesn't seem to be very much information on this. If the cells don't multiply any further, is it safe to leave them, or should a surgeon lift the flap again and wash them out. I am very nervous about this, both, in that the enhancement surgery was very painful for me, but, I don't want to risk having a cornea transplant. Can you shed some light and tell me what you would recommend for this?
You are describing epithelial ingrowth, where epithelial cells grow beneath the flap. This is an uncommon condition, but when it occurs it is more likely to occur during an enhancement.
The epithelial cells generally need to be removed - the surgeon evaluating you needs to determine whether surgery is necessary. Sometimes a few epithelail cells can be under the flap and that is fine. However, if epithelial cells are growing under the flap - they can continue to grow and cause many problems with vision. They can also cause the flap above the cells to melt.
I hope this information is helpful
Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL
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