Coincidental occurrence of severe hydrops after corneal collagen cross-linking

Abstract

This case report describes a case of acute corneal hydrops (ACH) within 4 days following collagen cross-linking that was done to arrest the progression of keratoconus in a 15-year-old girl. She developed pain, redness, and watering in the left eye within 4 days of undergoing an uneventful bilateral corneal collagen cross-linking. The diagnosis of ACH was made and was managed medically with a course of topical steroids. A large fluid-filled stromal pocket with iris adhering to the posterior surface was observed that resolved with stromal scarring after the treatment. Thus, ACH may be precipitated by cross-linking and needs to be managed appropriately.