A multicenter study published in the Journal of Refractive Surgery has found that flap loss—a serious complication in laser eye surgery—is extremely rare, occurring in just 16 out of more than 1 million LASIK procedures.
The retrospective study analyzed patients who underwent LASIK using either the Moria LSKONE or One-Use-Plus-SBK microkeratomes. Researchers compared visual outcomes and safety in those who experienced flap loss versus those with uncomplicated procedures. Despite the complication, most patients recovered well with treatment that included topical mitomycin C and bandage contact lenses. However, the group with flap loss had significantly lower uncorrected vision and slightly worse safety and efficacy indexes. The findings suggest that while flap loss is rare, appropriate management can lead to acceptable visual outcomes.