Steroid Glaucoma Induced Interface Edema after Lasik Surgery

Purpose: Steroid-induced glaucoma after LASIK surgery may lead to interface edema mimics diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK). Method: We examined four patients who had uneventful LASIK surgery between 2001 and 2003 and contracted glaucoma after using corticosteroid eye drops. Result: The four patients in the study all had visual acuity better than 1.0 after LASIK surgery. They returned complaining of blurred vision more than ten days after the surgery, three in both eyes and one in the left eye. In all seven affected eyes, the visual acuity had worsened with regression of refraction. Slit lamp examination revealed corneal edema and fluid accumulation in the interface between the flap and stroma bed, which were very similar to the findings in diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK). After discontinuing corticosteroid eye drops and giving treatment to lower intraocular pressure, all four patients responded well, with clear cornea and significantly improved visual acuity. Conclusion: If diagnosed early, steroid-induced glaucoma can be successfully treated, with a good chance of avoiding long-term complications.