Acute corneal edema and residual subepithelial haze after bilateral selective laser trabeculoplasty: A case series

Abstract

The primary objective of this case series is to report three cases of acute corneal edema and subepithelial haze occurring shortly after bilateral selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). SLT was performed to treat open-angle glaucoma in three female, middle-aged patients who subsequently manifested stromal haze within 24-48 h following the procedure. The patients were, therefore, treated with topical steroids for several weeks. Due to uncontrolled intraocular pressure, one patient underwent a trabeculectomy. The corneal edema resolved in all three patients. However, they exhibited a hyperopic shift, along with alterations in corneal astigmatism. The incidence of corneal edema and subepithelial haze following SLT is an exceedingly rare phenomenon. While certain factors are hypothesized to contribute to this complication, the predisposing factors leading to corneal changes following this laser procedure remain unclear.

Keywords: Anterior segment; cornea; glaucoma.

Figure 1

Anterior segment photograph with central corneal subepithelial haze on the left eye (arrow) 1 week after initial presentation

Figure 2

Anterior segment photograph with central corneal subepithelial haze on the right eye (arrow) at the time of presentation in our department

Figure 3

Anterior segment photograph with central corneal subepithelial haze on the left eye (arrow) 1 week after initial presentation