• Hao-Yun Chang and Wei-Ting Ho.
• Division of General Medicine, Department of Medical Education, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Oct 27; 102 (43): e35322e35322.

IntroductionTo present a case with a history of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) developing central conic protrusion after phacoemulsification cataract surgery, which spontaneously resolved 5 months postoperatively.Patient ConcernsA 55-year-old female who underwent myopic LASIK surgery 10 years ago presented to the clinic with bilateral cataracts and without ectasia. Following phacoemulsification cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation in the right eye, the patient experienced a significant increase in spherical equivalent and corneal astigmatism.DiagnosesBased on a central conic protrusion on topography examination, surgically-induced corneal ectasia was diagnosed.InterventionsTopical lubricants, corticosteroids, and serial follow-up with corneal topography.OutcomesThe corneal protrusion gradually resolved over a period of 5 months.LessonsFor post-LASIK patient who developed corneal protrusion following uneventful cataract surgery with a clear corneal incision, the clear corneal wound may have disrupted the biomechanical stability of the post-LASIK eye, compromising the peripheral stromal integrity. Additionally, postoperative inflammation could have contributed to corneal ectasia. Smaller clear corneal wounds or scleral tunnel entry during cataract surgery in post-LASIK eyes should be considered. Monitoring wound healing and using topical steroids can aid in achieving satisfactory outcomes and reducing the potential vision-threatening complications associated with corneal ectasia.Copyright © 2023 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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