Interface Fluid Syndrome 2 Decades After Laser-Assisted In situ Keratomileusis

Purpose: To report a case of late-onset interface fluid syndrome (IFS) after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Methods: A 94-year-old man was referred for evaluation because of persistent corneal edema 10 days after Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.

Results: After an uneventful DSAEK, the patient was treated with topical antibiotics and steroids. On presentation, a well positioned and oriented DSAEK graft was observed in the right eye, yet the cornea was edematous. Applanation tonometry was normal. Anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) revealed a LASIK flap with a fluid cleft beneath it. Requery confirmed that LASIK was performed 21 years ago. Topical steroids were stopped, and after 2 weeks, the cornea was clear, and AS-OCT revealed complete resolution of the interface fluid.

Conclusions: Even decades later, IFS should be considered as a source of corneal edema in patients after LASIK. Monitoring these patients with AS-OCT is recommended.