Herpetic Endotheliitis Induced Interface Fluid Syndrome 16 years After Laser in Situ Keratomileusis

Matthew Bough; Bryce Hwang; Matthew Santos; Zeba A Syed

doi:10.1097/ICO.0000000000003820

Herpetic Endotheliitis Induced Interface Fluid Syndrome 16 years After Laser in Situ Keratomileusis

Cornea. 2025 Jan 21. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000003820. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Matthew Bough¹, Bryce Hwang², Matthew Santos², Zeba A Syed²

Affiliations

¹ Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA; and.
² Cornea Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.

PMID: 39836534
DOI: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000003820

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of herpes simplex virus (HSV) endotheliitis inducing acute interface fluid syndrome in a patient with a remote history of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Methods: Case report and literature review.

Results: A 51-year-old man with a history of LASIK 16 years prior presented with unilateral HSV endotheliitis and was found to have acute interface fluid syndrome secondary to endothelial decompensation. The patient was treated with oral valacyclovir 1 g 3 times daily, prednisolone acetate 1% drops 4 times daily, timolol maleate 0.5% drops twice daily, topical 5% sodium chloride hypertonic ophthalmic solution drops 4 times daily, and 5% sodium chloride hypertonic ophthalmic ointment nightly. At 1-month follow-up, the patient had full resolution of the interface fluid and returned to baseline visual acuity.

Conclusions: This case underscores the importance of considering viral etiologies, such as HSV endotheliitis, in interface fluid syndrome beyond a decade after LASIK.