Steroid-induced glaucoma after laser in situ keratomileusis associated with interface fluid.
OBJECTIVE
To report the ocular manifestations and clinical course of eyes developing interface fluid after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery from a steroid-induced rise in intraocular pressure.


METHODS
Retrospective, noncomparative interventional case series.


METHODS
We examined six eyes of four patients who had diffuse lamellar keratitis develop after uneventful myopic LASIK surgery and were treated with topical corticosteroids. PRINCIPAL OUTCOME MEASURE: Slit-lamp findings, intraocular pressure measurements, and visual field loss.


RESULTS
All eyes had a pocket of fluid develop in the lamellar interface between the flap and the stromal bed associated with a corticosteroid-induced rise in intraocular pressure. However, because of the interface fluid, intraocular pressure was normal or low by central corneal Goldmann applanation tonometry in all eyes. The elevated intraocular pressure was diagnosed by peripheral measurement in several cases after months of elevated pressure. All six eyes had visual field defects develop. Three eyes of two patients had severe glaucomatous optic neuropathy and decreased visual acuity develop as a result of undiagnosed steroid-induced elevated intraocular pressure.


CONCLUSIONS
A steroid-induced rise in intraocular pressure after LASIK can cause transudation of aqueous fluid across the endothelium that collects in the flap interface. The interface fluid leads to inaccurately low central applanation tonometry measurements that obscure the diagnosis of steroid-induced glaucoma. Serious visual loss may result.
Hamilton
David Rex
DR
Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Manche
Edward E
EE
Rich
Larry F
LF
Maloney
Robert K
RK
D000328:Adult; D001082:Aqueous Humor / Q000378:metabolism*; D015715:Corneal Edema / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000378:metabolism; D019781:Corneal Topography; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D007634:Keratitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000187:drug effects
D005938:Glucocorticoids