Interface fluid and diffuse corneal edema after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE

To report a new complication of interface fluid accumulation and corneal edema in an uneventful laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) procedure.

METHODS

Uncomplicated bilateral LASIK for myopia using the Hansatome microkeratome was performed. One day postoperatively, the patient noted decreased visual acuity. The topical corticosteroid was changed from dexamethasone to prednisolone acetate 1% every 2 hours. Two weeks later the patient reported worsening visual acuity in both eyes. Uncorrected visual acuity was 20/200 in the right eye and 20/100 in the left. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy indicated significant fluid build-up in the interface. Intraocular pressure (IOP) by Goldmann applanation tonometry was 15 mmHg in the right eye and 14 mmHg in the left.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks, intraocular pressure by bidigital pressure was increased and high. The corticosteroid was discontinued and antiglaucoma medication lowered the intraocular pressure, which resulted in corneal clearing and disappearence of interface fluid in both eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Early recognition of this new complication of LASIK is necessary. The falsely low reading of IOP in the setting of interface fluid was the result of easy compressibility of the fluid-filled space and reflects the pressure of the interface fluid. This apparently low IOP reading can be an additional sign of the existence of interface fluid. The corticosteroid should be discontinued and antiglaucoma medication instituted. This should lead to a lowering of intraocular pressure and result in corneal clearing and disappearence of the interface fluid with improvement in visual acuity.