Pressure-Induced Stromal Keratopathy as a Result of Ocular Trauma After Laser In Situ Keratomileusis

IMPORTANCE Pressure-induced stromal keratopathy is a rare kind of complication of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) that may cause vision loss in affected eyes. Herein, we described the clinical features and treatment of 2 cases of pressure-induced stromal keratopathy due to traumatic hyphema in post-LASIK eyes. OBSERVATIONS Two patients sought treatment for painful vision loss after blunt trauma on post-LASIK eyes. On examination, high intraocular pressure was found in the injured eyes. Hyphema was seen in the anterior chamber. High-resolution slitlamp biomicroscopy demonstrated interface hyperreflection, which resembled interface keratitis. However, an isolated pocket of fluid was clearly demonstrated at the level of the LASIK flap interface in the anterior segment optical coherence tomographic images. After topical corticosteroid and antiglaucoma medication, the hyphema and the hyperreflection in the cornea resolved in several days. The intraocular pressure and visual acuity returned to normal levels. Repeated anterior segment optical coherence tomographic examinations revealed completed resolution of the interface fluid. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE To our knowledge, this is the first report of pressure-induced stromal keratopathy caused by traumatic hyphema. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography plays a unique role in revealing occult interface fluid in post-LASIK eyes, which may masquerade as interface keratitis during slitlamp examination.