Amantadine induced interface fluid formation after LASIK. A case report

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common refractive surgery.
• Interface fluid accumulation is a known, though uncommon, complication after LASIK.
• Amantadine is used to treat Parkinson's disease and certain viral infections.

Observation:

• A 47-year-old male patient with Parkinson's disease on amantadine developed bilateral vision decline 2 years post-LASIK.
• Clinical examination revealed bilateral corneal edema and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) confirmed fluid in the LASIK interface.
• Best corrected visual acuity decreased significantly in both eyes.

Findings:

• Discontinuation of amantadine resulted in gradual resolution of corneal edema and interface fluid.
• Patient's vision improved within 2 weeks of stopping the medication.
• This case suggests a potential link between amantadine use and delayed LASIK interface fluid formation.

Implications:

• Ophthalmologists should consider amantadine as a potential cause of delayed LASIK interface fluid, especially in patients with Parkinson's disease.
• This finding may prompt further investigation into the ocular side effects of amantadine.
• Awareness of this potential complication can aid in timely diagnosis and management of post-LASIK visual disturbances.