Permanent glaucomatous visual loss after photorefractive keratectomy

A 41-year-old man who had photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia developed corneal haze. After intensive treatment with topical corticosteroids, he developed elevated intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage. Because of an inadequate response to steroid discontinuation and medical treatment, the patient required a glaucoma filtering procedure. Corticosteroid-induced glaucoma is a possible complication of the treatment often associated with PRK. Careful patient screening and disclosure of this risk are imperative.