Pressure-induced stromal keratopathy after laser in situ keratomileusis: Acute and late-onset presentations

We present a series of 4 cases of pressure-induced stromal keratopathy after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Four patients (5 eyes) with previous LASIK presented for poor visual acuity and ocular pain because of ocular hypertension. At examination, all cases revealed corneal haze and a space filled with fluid between the surgical flap and the residual stroma. All cases were managed with topical hypotensive treatment and one of them was also treated with a valve drainage device. Topical steroids restriction was indicated in all cases. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was normalized in all cases with subsequent interface fluid resolution and significant improvement of vision in most cases. Early recognition and appropriate treatment for pressure-induced stromal keratopathy is essential to avoid complications associated with prolonged elevated IOP. It is extremely important to measure the IOP in the peripheral cornea because IOP in the central cornea can be incorrectly measured with the characteristic interface fluid developed in this entity.