Bilateral peripheral infiltrative keratitis after LASIK

Abstract

Purpose: To present a case of peripheral infiltrative keratitis mimicking infectious keratitis on the flap margin and limbus, which appeared on the first postoperative day after the laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Methods: A 36-year-old woman who underwent uneventful bilateral simultaneous LASIK developed multiple round infiltrate along the flap margin reaching to limbus from the 11 o'clock to 6 o'clock area in both eyes.

Results: The flap was lifted and irrigation was performed with antibiotics. but infiltration seemed to appear again. The infiltrate was more concentrated at the periphery and was extended to the limbus. Direct smear and culture for bacteria and fungus were negative. Topical prednisolone acetate 1% eye drops was added, infiltrative condition was resolved.

Conclusions: LASIK induced peripheral infiltrative keratitis, in which infectious origin was ruled out, is reported.

Fig. 1

White multiple corneal infiltrates in the periphery along the lamellar flap margin were noted in the first day after LASIK on both eyes (A: right eye, B: left eye)

Fig. 2

Peripheral flap infiltration was progressed into the limbus in second day after flap lifting with antibiotics irrigation. (A: right eye, B: left eye)

Fig. 3

After adding topical prednisolone acetate along with topical antibiotics, decreased infiltration was the lamellar flap and the corneal limbus 6th day after flap lifting with antibiotics irrigation. (A: right eye, B: left eye)