Delayed interface fluid syndrome in a post laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis: A rare complication

Abstract

Interface fluid syndrome (IFS) is a rare complication seen post-laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (post-LASIK). This report describes two unusual cases in which patients underwent ocular surgeries and developed delayed onset interface fluid. Both the patients had undergone uneventful laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) decades ago; case 1 underwent uneventful phacoemulsification and vitrectomy with gas tamponade and case 2 underwent uneventful phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Possible causes of IFS could be steroid-induced intraocular pressure (IOP) spike, intraocular inflammation, or both. IFS can be seen any time after refractive surgeries and can be a lifelong complication after LASIK surgery. Inaccurate IOP measurement due to underestimation should be borne in mind while measuring IOP in such patients. This report highlights the challenges in diagnosing IFS and the importance of correct IOP measurement in such cases to avoid irreversible vision loss.