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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
An “All-laser” Endothelial Transplant
Published on: July 6, 2015
Mycobacterium keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis
H Gelender1, H L Carter, B Bowman
1Cornea Associates of Texas, Dallas 75231, USA. hgelender@medsynergies.com
Purpose:
The authors report two cases of Mycobacterium keratitis following LASIK.
Methods:
The case reports are based on a retrospective review of clinical history and associated findings.
Results:
Two patients developed infectious keratitis after undergoing laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). In case #1, the infection developed after manipulation of the lamellar flap to remove epithelium from the stromal bed. In case #2, prior radial keratotomy may have been a contributing factor to development of the infection. Corneal infiltrates appeared as focal, white, stromal deposits. Cultures isolated Mycobacterium fortuitum from case #1 and Mycobacterium chelonae from case #2. Topical fortified amikacin, clarithromycin, tobramycin, and ciprofloxacin eventually controlled the infection. Topical prednisolone acetate and bandage contact lenses were necessary to control inflammation and pain. Infiltrates were slow to resolve until focal necrosis eroded through the flaps leading to rapid clearing of the infiltrates; however, scarring of the cornea developed at the site of necrosis. Visual recovery was good in the first case but limited in the second.
Conclusions:
Mycobacterium keratitis complicating LASIK may be difficult to eradicate until the sequestered stromal infiltrate drains. Rapid recognition of the causative organism and aggressive medical and surgical management of the infection may improve the outcome.
