Treatment and cause of striae is currently somewhat controversial. If vision is threatened, then surgical intervention is indicated. This is a condition in which an island of corneal tissue remains in the visual axis following excimer laser treatment. This is less common with the new generation of lasers that have been modified with programs to prevent this complication. This can cause undercorrection and visual blurring or distortion.
Most central islands disappear spontaneously post-operatively without additional treatment.
Free Flap Occurs when the microkeratome creates a flap without a hinge because the microkeratome blade cuts the hinge. This is more likely to occur with the ACS type microkeratome and is quite uncommon. The flap will need to be replaced carefully, and reoriented to its original position after the laser treatment is completed. Lost Flap Could create serious healing and vision problems. Physical loss of the flap following an incident of a free flap.