Fig. 3

Intraoperative and postoperative photographs showing amniotic membrane pressure patch for inhibition of epithelial ingrowth after LASIK flap laceration. a After introducing preplaced sutures along the flap margin at 4, 6, and 8 o’clock (white arrowheads), half of the LASIK flap including lacerated central portion, was lifted gently with forceps. Shallow three-branched lacerations were noted on the posterior remaining stromal surface, corresponding to the LASIK flap laceration area (black arrowheads). The epithelium was scraped out from both the posterior surface of the flap and the surface of posterior remaining stromal bed with a #15 Bard-Parker blade. b The flap was placed back to its original position by tightening the preplaced sutures. c Amniotic membrane was tightly sutured with 10–0 nylon to the episclera to cover the entire cornea with the amnion side facing the down position, and the same suturing procedure was repeated with the application of another larger amniotic membrane. d The amniotic membrane patch maintained the tightness with pressing down the flap firmly for 5 days after its application, and was removed 10 days after application