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.