[Arcuate keratotomy to correct residual astigmatism after stromal herpetic keratitis]

A woman with a history of recurrent herpes simplex keratitis in the left eye developed endothelial and stromal keratitis after cataract extraction. Because of the resultant corneal distortion a high regular astigmatism appeared. An arcuate keratotomy was performed to improve her visual acuity.

Corneal astigmatism can appear after herpetic keratitis. An arcuate keratotomy was effective in this case to decrease astigmatism and improve her vision. Keratitis reactivation is possible so antiviral prophylaxis is advisable. Our good results show that arcuate keratotomy can be a useful technique for these patients.