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Late onset bilateral annular subepithelial corneal haze after LASIK
Michelle Y Ko1,2, Ben J Glasgow1,2,3, Reza Ghaffari1,2
1David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports
|July 18, 2025
Summary
Late-onset corneal haze, a rare complication after laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), can occur over 20 years post-surgery. This case highlights bilateral annular subepithelial haze possibly linked to systemic health factors and dry eyes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Laser Vision Correction
Background:
- Corneal haze post-LASIK is uncommon but can arise from various complications.
- This report focuses on a rare instance of bilateral, late-onset annular subepithelial corneal haze occurring over two decades after LASIK.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old woman experienced decreased vision more than 20 years after LASIK.
- Clinical findings included bilateral annular subepithelial corneal haze, confirmed by anterior segment OCT.
- Histology showed subepithelial fibrous tissue and epithelial basement membrane thickening.
Findings:
- Superficial keratectomy with mitomycin-C showed initial visual improvement but subsequent recurrence of haze.
- The patient had a history of gout, chronic kidney disease, dry eyes, and smoking.
Implications:
- Delayed-onset bilateral annular subepithelial haze can develop long after LASIK.
- Systemic and ocular surface factors may contribute to the development of this rare complication.
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