In vivo confocal microscopic findings in patients with steroid-induced glaucoma after LASIK

Ophthalmology. 2004 Apr;111(4):768-74. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2003.06.029.

Abstract

Objective: To report the confocal microscopic findings of 2 different cases of steroid-induced glaucoma after LASIK.

Design: Observational case report of 2 cases.

Methods: Two cases of steroid-induced glaucoma after LASIK were selected. Examination with a white-light tandem slit-scanning confocal microscope was performed in addition to routine slit-lamp biomicroscopy.

Main outcome measures: In vivo confocal findings at the flap interface.

Results: In both cases, the interfaces were identified at a deeper level than expected. Confocal microscopic examination did not show mononuclear cells and granulocytes typically seen in patients with classic diffuse lamellar keratitis.

Conclusion: Our findings confirm that steroid-induced glaucoma after LASIK is not associated with the collection of inflammatory cells. The treatment option of lowering the intraocular pressure is effective in treating the disease, even without anti-inflammatory medications. Confocal in vivo microscopy is a useful tool to study the course of steroid-induced glaucoma after LASIK in humans.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cornea / pathology
  • Female
  • Glaucoma / chemically induced*
  • Glaucoma / diagnosis*
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Keratitis / diagnosis
  • Keratitis / drug therapy
  • Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ*
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Prednisolone / adverse effects*
  • Prednisolone / analogs & derivatives*
  • Visual Fields

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • prednisolone acetate
  • Prednisolone