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Ex Vivo Organotypic Corneal Model of Acute Epithelial Herpes Simplex Virus Type I Infection
Published on: November 3, 2012
[Herpes simplex keratitis following laser in situ keratomileusis]
S Gómez García1, A M Piñero Bustamante, E Gutiérrez Sánchez
1Clínica Piñero, Seville, Spain. sgg@clinicapinero.com
Archivos De La Sociedad Espanola De Oftalmologia
|March 27, 2004
Summary
Reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can occur after Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery, even without prior corneal infection history. Patients with a history of herpetic infections should be informed about potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
Background:
- Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a refractive surgery procedure.
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can cause recurrent infections.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old woman developed four dendritic ulcers in her left eye the day after undergoing bilateral LASIK for myopia and astigmatism.
- The patient had a history of recurrent labial herpetic infections.
Findings:
- The dendritic ulcers were successfully treated with topical antiviral agents.
- This case suggests that HSV-1 reactivation can occur post-LASIK, irrespective of prior corneal HSV-1 history.
Implications:
- While not a contraindication, LASIK carries a risk of HSV-1 reactivation.
- Informing patients with a history of herpetic infections about potential ocular complications is crucial before LASIK surgery.
