[Herpes simplex keratitis following laser in situ keratomileusis]

A 40-year-old woman underwent bilateral Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) for the correction of myopia and astigmatism. The day after, four dendritic ulcers appeared in her left eye. She was treated with topical antiviral agents until complete recovery. She had a history of recurrent labial herpetic infection.

Reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 can occur, even without any previous history of corneal infection. Although this does not contraindicate surgery, all patients with a history of herpetic infection should be made aware of the complications related to this technique.