The eye usually appears white and quiet. Occasionally a very small subconjunctival hemorrhage from the microkeratome track and suction will occur. The check for cells and flare is usually negative. The patient will be started on a tobramycin-dexamethasone combination four times a day for 4 days. The optometrist calls the surgeon if there are significant striae at the hinge, obvious debris under the flap, epithelial ingrowth under the cap or if the acuity is not in the anticipated range.
Information is faxed to the surgeon.
If there are any abnormalities, the surgeon is called. The surgeon and optometrist decide together how to treat any difficulties. Minor epithelial ingrowth may be monitored, or the surgeon may elect to lift the flap and irrigate. This rare complication of controversial etiology requires intensive antibiotic and anti-inflammatory management by the surgeon and optometrist. Again, the cornea is carefully surveyed for epithelial ingrowth or Sands of the Sahara.