PRESUMED EPITHELIAL CYST IN THE ANTERIOR-CHAMBER FOLLOWING REFRACTIVEKERATOTOMY

BACKGROUND: A free floating cyst in the anterior chamber was observed 10 days after a 35-year-old woman underwent an eight-incision radial k eratotomy and two-incision transverse keratotomy of the left eye. METH ODS: A single self-sealing microperforation had occurred on the infero temporal incision during the initial surgery, which used a two directi on incision technique. RESULTS: A free floating cystic structure was f irst noted by the surgeon 10 days after surgery, when the patient retu rned for repeated surgery for residual myopia. After 18 months, there was little change in the size or appearance of the cyst. The patient, who was informed of the complication, remained asymptomatic with uncor rected visual acuity of 20/25 + 2 bilaterally. Because of the lack of growth of the cyst, continued observation was chosen instead of surgca l removal. The cause of the cyst is unknown. CONCLUSION: A free floati ng cyst in the anterior chamber may occur after refractive keratotomy.