Imaging interface fluid after laser in situ keratomileusis with corneal optical coherence tomography

A 41-year-old myopic patient who had laser in situ keratomileusis 6 months earlier was treated for a complete retinal detachment (RD) with proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Surgical treatment consisted of an encircling band, pars plana vitrectomy, and silicone oil filling. Postoperatively, the patient developed marked corneal edema with no increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) as measured by applanation tonometry. Interface fluid was confirmed by corneal optical coherence tomography. Quantification of the corneal structures revealed that corneal edema was in the residual posterior stroma predominantly. The epithelial and flap thickness did not change significantly. The case demonstrated that after vitreoretinal surgery for RD repair, transient corneal endothelial cell dysfunction developed, causing marked edema of the posterior corneal stroma and interface fluid accumulation. However, an increase in IOP cannot be excluded.