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Spontaneous Resolution of Acute Corneal Hydrops in a Patient With Post-LASIK Ectasia
Matthew D Cooke1, Steven B Koenig
1Department of Ophthalmology, Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.
Purpose:
To describe a case of acute corneal hydrops in a patient with corneal ectasia after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).
Methods:
An observational study presenting clinical, slit-lamp, and optical coherence tomographic findings.
Results:
A 66-year-old man with a history of moderate myopic astigmatism presented with a sudden loss of vision in his left eye 11 years after undergoing LASIK. He underwent a single enhancement in his left eye and was subsequently diagnosed with ectasia 9 years later. Slit-lamp examination demonstrated a small tear in the Descemet membrane with a large fluid-filled cleft separating the LASIK flap and extending to the flap edge. Because no aqueous humor leakage was detected, the patient was managed conservatively with eventual resolution of the fluid-filled cleft and return of 20/30 visual acuity.
Conclusions:
Acute corneal hydrops is a rare complication of post-LASIK corneal ectasia. In the absence of flap dehiscence and wound leak, such patients may be managed with simple observation.
