Pseudomonas keratitis 4 years after laser in situ keratomileusis

Abstract

Purpose: To report a patient who presented an infectious keratitis 4 years after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) without any other predisposing risk factor than the LASIK procedure itself.

Case report: We report a 32-year-old man operated by LASIK in January 2006 who presented with infectious keratitis in the OD in April 2010. Clinical examination showed a corneal abscess at 10-o'clock position in the interface and fibrin and Tyndall 4+ in the anterior chamber. Microbiological analysis identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the cause of infection. The patient was given ofloxacin, sulfate neomycin, polymyxin B, and prednisolone acetate to be used every 2 h. Treatment led to clinical improvement with resolution of corneal infiltrate. Keratitis with intact epithelium by Pseudomonas can occur up to 4 years after LASIK.

Conclusions: LASIK treatment is a predisposing factor for bacterial keratitis even years after surgery. This report demonstrates the importance of continued postoperative vigilance by patient and his/her clinician.