Sterile interface keratitis associated with micropannus hemorrhage after laser in situ keratomileusis

J Cataract Refract Surg. 1999 Dec;25(12):1679-81. doi: 10.1016/s0886-3350(99)00248-5.

Abstract

Numerous etiologies have been suspected to lead to sterile interface keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis. This tan interface haze with a rippled appearance has been called Sands of the Sahara. We present 2 cases in which red blood cells entered the interface after a small hemorrhage from peripheral corneal vascularization during the microkeratome pass. Although this bleeding was controlled and all visible blood cells were removed at surgery, both patients developed the appearance of a focal interface keratitis on the first postoperative day.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Astigmatism / surgery
  • Cornea / blood supply*
  • Cornea / pathology
  • Cornea / surgery
  • Corneal Neovascularization / etiology*
  • Corneal Neovascularization / pathology
  • Eye Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Eye Hemorrhage / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Keratitis / etiology*
  • Keratitis / pathology
  • Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Myopia / surgery
  • Visual Acuity