Interface fluid syndrome caused by the corneal perforation injury after small incision lenticule extraction: a case report.

BACKGROUND: To report a case of interface fluid syndrome (IFS) following traumatic corneal perforation repair after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old woman, with a past history of SMILE, was struck in the left eye with a barbecue prod and subsequently underwent corneal perforation repair at local hospital. Primary wound repaired with a single 10 - 0 nylon suture at the area of leakage. After the surgery, her best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/30. Four days later, she presented at our hospital with blurred vision, and interface fluid syndrome (IFS) was diagnosed. Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) was used to guide the resuturing of the corneal perforation in the left eye, followed by anterior chamber gas injection. At the first postoperative month, the BCVA was 20/25. The corneal cap adhered closely to the stroma, the surface became smooth. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates that any corneal perforation following lamellar surgery, including SMILE, may lead to IFS. It is crucial to consider the depth of corneal perforation, and intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) plays a unique role in the repair procedure.

Delayed-onset interface fluid syndrome after LASIK following phacotrabeculectomy.

BACKGROUND: Interface fluid syndrome (IFS) is an unusual complication after laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). We report the first case of IFS after uncomplicated phacotrabeculectomy in a patient who had undergone LASIK 10 years previously. This case emphasizes the importance of intraocular pressure (IOP) interpretation in eyes that have undergone LASIK. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old woman with a history of LASIK surgery presented to glaucoma clinic due to uncontrolled IOP despite of maximally tolerable medical treatment. After receiving phacotrabeculectomy, IOP decreased to 3 mmHg on the first postoperative day, but again increased up to 21 mmHg and a diffuse corneal edema with cloudy flap interface was demonstrated by slit-lamp microscopy. Corneal edema was sustained even after the IOP was lowered to 14 mmHg. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scanning of the cornea revealed a diffuse, thin fluid pocket in the corneal interface. After laser lysis of the scleral flap sutures, IOP was further decreased to 9 mmHg and interface fluid was resolved. CONCLUSION: IFS should be considered as a possible cause of postoperative corneal edema despite of low IOP in the eyes that underwent LASIK surgery. Additional IOP lowering may be helpful for resolving the corneal edema.

Corneal densitometry changes in a patient with interface fluid syndrome after small incision lenticule extraction.

BACKGROUND: To report a case of interface fluid syndrome (IFS) following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) evaluated with corneal densitometry and optical coherence tomography (OCT). CASE PRESENTATION: An 18-year-old man reported sudden vision loss 24 days after SMILE procedure. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was 36.3 mmHg (OD) and 36.7 mmHg (OS) by noncontact tonometry. Moderate corneal edema, interface fluid pocket and haze were observed by OCT and confirmed by corneal densitometry values. Discontinuation of steroids and addition of hypotensive medication were offered immediately. The symptoms were cured after the medication. Changes of corneal densitometry were consistent with the clinical course of IFS. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates that it is crucial to be aware that a history of SMILE can also cause IFS. Both OCT and corneal densitometry can serve as auxiliary means to evaluate the clinical course of IFS, and appropriate IOP management is an effective approach.

Interface fluid syndrome after small incision lenticule extraction surgery secondary to posner schlossman syndrome - A case report.

Purpose: This report describes a case of interface fluid syndrome (IFS) secondary to Posner Schlossman Syndrome (PSS) following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery. Case presentation: A 19-year-old male was diagnosed with IFS secondary to PSS in his left eye 1 month after undergoing SMILE. Detailed patient history and clinical findings, auxiliary examination results, and short-term follow-up are reported. In this patient, the IFS was caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) due to PSS. Treatment with topical steroids in combination with anti-glaucoma drops led to complete regression of the fluid, and there was no recurrence during a 7-month follow-up period. Conclusion: IFS is a potential complication of SMILE, and anterior segment ocular coherence tomography (AS-OCT) can definitively diagnose the condition. This case demonstrates that the treatment for IFS should be based on the underlying cause, and requires prompt and vigorous management for resolution.

Bilateral interface fluid syndrome and glaucoma progression after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.

A 32-year-old male with a past history of bilateral laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), presented with a decrease in vision in both eyes (BE). Clinical examination showed diffuse corneal haze and interface fluid syndrome (IFS), which was confirmed on anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained with Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) were low; however, digital tonometry indicated a raised IOP in BE, which was confirmed by measuring IOP with GAT, outside the peripheral edge of the LASIK flap. Treatment with antiglaucoma medications resulted in complete resolution of the interface fluid. However, due to noncompliance with medications, it recurred and glaucoma showed progression. The patient underwent trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in BE, resulting in improvement in the visual acuity, clear cornea, resolution of interface fluid, and normal IOP, till the last follow-up visit. This case had IFS secondary to episodes of raised IOP, which was diagnosed on careful clinical examination. IOP readings using GAT over the central cornea can give spuriously low readings in IFS. Hence, IOP should be measured in the peripheral cornea to obtain correct IOP readings. Early detection of high IOP and its management is essential to halt glaucoma progression.

Interface Fluid Syndrome Masquerading as Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis After Small Incision Lenticule Extraction.

A 34-year-old male with no past medical or ocular history underwent bilateral uncomplicated small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). On day 1, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 20/25 in the right eye (OD) and 20/20 in the left eye (OS). The intraocular pressure (IOP) was 12 mmHg in both eyes (OU). On day 17, UDVA was 20/70 OD and 20/30+2 OS. Slit-lamp examination (SLE) revealed diffuse 2+ haze at the interface suspicious for diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK). Topical difluprednate was added twice a day (BID). Vision decreased by day 20 with a significant myopic shift and 3+ interface haze OU. A washout of the interface was performed. Topical steroids were increased with oral prednisone. One day after the washout, vision and interface haze improved. On day 3 status post washout, UDVA decreased to 20/70 OD and 20/50 OS. IOP was 42 mmHg OU. A diagnosis of interface fluid syndrome (IFS) was confirmed. All steroids were stopped while adding ocular hypotensive medication. One month later, visual acuity was 20/20 OU with a complete resolution of interface haze. Only a handful of IFS has been documented in SMILE, an incidence that may increase as SMILE becomes more common. Among all SMILE cases, IFS was most commonly associated with steroid-induced ocular hypertension and a myopic shift around 21 days postoperatively. A fluid cleft at the interface may not always be visible with SLE, masquerading as DLK. Scheimpflug densitometry and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) may aid in quantifying interface edema needed to confirm a diagnosis when IOP is unclear. A corneal washout can immediately improve corneal edema, but the preferred treatment is discontinuing all steroid medication and starting glaucoma drops.

Delayed-onset pressure-induced interlamellar stromal keratitis (PISK) and interface epithelial ingrowth 10 years after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.

Purpose: To report a case of pressure-induced interlamellar stromal keratitis (PISK) 10 years after laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Observations: A case of a 36-year-old man who underwent LASIK and presented with PISK 10 years later. Before presenting to our department he consulted elsewhere for red eye, decreased visual acuity, foreign body sensation, and pain on the RE for 1 week. He was then prescribed topical prednisolone six times per day and was lost to follow-up. On examination and after 1 month of continuous use of steroids uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDV) was 20/400 in the right eye (RE) and 20/20 in the left eye (LE). Best corrected visual acuity was 20/80 on the RE. The Goldmann intraocular pressure (IOP) was 26 and 17 mmHg in the RE and LE, respectively. Slit lamp biomicroscopy revealed fluid in the interface and epithelial ingrowth. Fundoscopic examination results were normal in both eyes. Treatment was initiated with topical brimonidine tartrate 0.2%, timolol 0.5%, and dorzolamide 2.0% BID. Once the pressure was controlled the patient was scheduled for mechanical debridement of the epithelial ingrowth with significant improvement of UCVA (20/25). Conclusions: Refractive surgeons should be aware of PISK as a potential complication of LASIK even years after the procedure. Intraocular pressure can be misleading, and diligent and careful examination are key to diagnosis and treatment of this potentially blinding complication.

DMEK for the treatment of interface fluid syndrome secondary to failed DSAEK graft: A case report and review of the literature.

Purpose: To report a case of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) for the management of post-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) interface fluid syndrome (IFS) secondary to failed Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) graft, and to provide a literature review on endothelial keratoplasty (EK) for this indication. Observations: A 52-year-old patient presented with LASIK interface fluid accumulation and a non-functioning primary DSAEK graft. Past ophthalmic history was relevant for: (1) phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implantation with later refinement by LASIK; (2) combined PIOL explantation and refractive lens exchange due to accelerated endothelial cell loss (ECL); (3) primary DSAEK due to corneal decompensation.A secondary EK graft (DMEK) was performed, and the patient was prospectively followed for 6 months (M6). DMEK surgery was uneventful, without postoperative graft detachment. Corneal clearing and resolution of interface fluid accumulation occurred during the first postoperative month. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 20/800 Snellen to 20/25 Snellen at 3-month follow-up, remaining stable at M6. Due to a persistent rise in intraocular pressure (IOP), the patient underwent uneventful non-penetrating deep sclerectomy 2 months after DMEK, with controlled IOP and without accelerated ECL. Conclusions and Importance: DMEK is feasible, effective, and safe in the management of IFS in cases where corneal endothelial failure plays a major role, even in complex eyes with previous EK grafts. Aggressive postoperative IOP control is warranted to decrease the risk of interface fluid recurrence and damage to the optic nerve. Studies with larger patient numbers are encouraged to ascertain the role of EK for this indication.

Urrets-Zavalia syndrome with interface fluid syndrome following laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: We describe the case of a 41-year-old male that underwent laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) complicated by Urrets-Zavalia syndrome with interface fluid syndrome and epithelial ingrowth. OBSERVATION: The patient presented at our institution with headache and blurred vision three weeks after a right microkeratome-assisted LASIK procedure. On examination, the visual acuity was hand movements and the intraocular pressure (IOP) was 45 mmHg with fluid in the flap interface, a fixed pupil in moderate mydriasis, iris transillumination and cells in the anterior chamber. A Baerveldt tube implant was necessary to control the IOP. After three months, the corrected visual acuity was 20/40 with normal IOP and an early cataract. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: To our knowledge this is the first report of a case of combined Urrets-Zavalia syndrome and interface fluid syndrome after LASIK. We speculate that steroid induced ocular hypertension was the primary cause.

Interface Fluid Syndrome (IFS) following Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS): not related to high intraocular pressure but to endothelial failure.

We describe the case of a 52-year-old female with past history of LASIK, 21 years earlier, without Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy, who underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. During the early postoperative period severe corneal edema, anterior chamber cellularity and iris inflammation presented, accompanied by a clear space along the LASIK interface. Those findings were interpreted as part of a Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS) and secondary interface fluid syndrome (IFS). When interface fluid was present, intraocular pressure (IOP) measured in the center of the cornea yielded very low values. In addition, applanation tonometry performed in the corneal periphery, as well as Schiotz tonometry and digital tonometry also indicated that the IOP was not high. Fluid in the interface persisted until a DMEK was carried out 11 months after the phacoemulsification surgery. Five days postoperatively the IFS resolved, confirmed by OCT imaging. The origin of IFS in this case was corneal edema secondary to endothelial cell dysfunction and it was not related to high IOP. This is the first reported case of IFS following TASS, the third case published of DMEK procedure used to solve endothelial failure-related IFS, and the case with the longest time of presentation after LASIK.

Interface fluid syndrome secondary to endothelial failure due to toxic anterior segment syndrome after cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To present a case of previous laser in situ keratomileusis with interface fluid syndrome secondary to toxic anterior segment syndrome following cataract surgery. CASE REPORT: A 52-year-old woman, complaining blurred vision in her right eye for 18 months after cataract surgery, was referred to our clinic. She was diagnosed with toxic anterior segment syndrome, postoperatively, which resolved in 3 days. She had a history of laser in situ keratomileusis surgery 15 years ago. Slit-lamp examination of the right eye showed corneal haze, limited to laser in situ keratomileusis flap. The patient was diagnosed with interface fluid syndrome secondary to endothelial decompensation due to toxic anterior segment syndrome. Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasy was performed along with full thickness fenestrations in the laser in situ keratomileusis flap to the right eye of the patient. The fluid was resolved in 1 week and visual acuity was improved rapidly. CONCLUSION: This case shows the importance of considering the diagnosis and determining the specific etiology of interface fluid syndrome, even years after the laser in situ keratomileusis surgery, when endothelial cell function has been compromised with any factor, such as intraocular surgery and its complications.

Interface fluid syndrome: A potential lifelong complication after LASIK. A case report.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of interface fluid formation caused by uncontrollable intraocular pressure (IOP) 16 years after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery secondary to Posner Schlossman Syndrome (PSS). OBSERVATIONS: After trabeculectomy operation, IOP of the operative eye was back to normal, and the interface fluid refluxed over time. CONCLUSIONS: and importance: Interface Fluid Syndrome can be a potential lifelong complication after LASIK surgery. PSS patients post-LASIK require early IOP control.

Refraction outcomes after suction loss during small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).

PURPOSE: To evaluate refractive outcomes of two management approaches after suction loss during the small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective and comparative study was conducted at the El-Gowhara Private Eye Center. It included 26 consecutive eyes of patients who experienced suction loss during the SMILE technique. Patients were divided into two groups by the technical difficulties in redocking: in group A (12 eyes) suction loss occurred after the posterior lenticular cut and the creation of side-cuts, then suction was reapplied, and the procedure was completed; in group B (14 eyes) suction loss occurred after the posterior lenticular cut and the creation of side-cuts, then the procedure was postponed for 24 hours and completed with the same parameters. Manifest refraction outcomes were measured and compared 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: This study included 26 eyes with suction loss during the SMILE technique: five patients with suction loss in both eyes, nine patients with suction loss in the right eye and seven patients with suction loss in the left eye. The incidence of suction loss in this study was 2.7%. At the postoperative 6-month follow-up time, there were statistically significant differences in refraction outcomes between the two groups, with a hyperopic shift in group A compared with group B. CONCLUSION: A good refraction outcome can be achieved with appropriate management of suction loss during the SMILE technique, and it is recommended to postpone the treatment if this happens.

Clinical characteristics of interface fluid syndrome after LASIK: a systematic review / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical features of interface fluid syndrome (IFS) after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).Methods:We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database for literature reports on IFS published from 1999 to 2021.Article selection, data extraction, quality rating, and data analysis were performed with reference to the PRISMA statement for priority reporting entities of systematic reviews and Meta-analysis.Results:A total of 30 publications were included, including 46 cases (62 eyes). Among them, 34 cases (47 eyes) were male and 12 cases (15 eyes) were female.Age ranged from 19 to 69 years with a mean of (36.57±13.40) years.There were 16 cases of bilateral eyes and 30 cases of monocular eyes.The 85.48% (53/62) of IFS was due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) after LASIK.All 62 eyes included had decreased visual acuity.The 24.19% (15/62) of the affected eyes had ocular pain, redness, and photophobia.All 46 patients showed different degrees of corneal edema and interface fluid.Keratic precipitates and anterior chamber cells were visible in 9.68% (6/62) of the affected eyes, and 16.13% (10/62) showed visual field damage.IOP-lowering eye drops were given to 77.42% (48/62) of eyes.Of the 31 patients (40 eyes) with prognostic descriptions, and 75.00% (30/40) recovered their vision with treatment and 25.00% (10/40) did not.Conclusions:IFS is a rare complication after LASIK.It should be considered in patients with corneal edema after LASIK.Proper measurement of IOP and reasonable application of glucocorticoids and IOP-lowering drops can prevent irreversible vision loss.

Delayed-Onset Interface Fluid Syndrome after LASIK Surgery in Traumatic Hyphema

A 50-year-old female was referred to our clinic with visual disturbance, hyphema and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in her right eye 7 days after experiencing blunt trauma in that eye. She had undergone uncomplicated laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) on both eyes 10 years earlier. At initial examination, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in her right eye was counting fingers at 2 feet with no correction. Central Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) showed an IOP of 7 mm Hg. Peripheral digital tonometry showed the IOPs in her right eye superiorly, nasally, temporally, and inferiorly were 36 mm Hg, 35 mm Hg, 34.5 mm Hg and 36.5 mm Hg, respectively. Slit-lamp examination showed diffuse epithelial and stromal edema and a blood clot 1 mm in height in the anterior chamber. Spectral domain scanning laser ophthalmoscope/optical coherence tomography (SD-SLO/OCT) images showed a pocket of fluid between the LASIK flap and the underlying stroma. The patient was started on anti-inflammatory agent and IOP lowering agents. After 15 days of treatment, IOP measured with GAT was 10 mm Hg, slit-lamp examination showed that epithelial and stromal edema had disappeared, and OCT showed no fluid between the corneal flap and stroma.