Keratitis after intracorneal ring segment insertion for keratoconus.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Ocular Immunology

Background:

• Keratoconus management often involves intrastromal corneal ring segments.
• Ferrara intracorneal rings are used to correct refractive errors in keratoconus.
• Ocular atopy can complicate ophthalmic procedures and postoperative care.

Observation:

• A keratoconus patient with atopic blepharoconjunctivitis developed sterile keratitis post-Ferrara intracorneal ring implantation.
• The sterile keratitis presented as inflammation without infection.
• Symptoms of keratitis resolved rapidly after the explantation of the corneal ring segments.

Findings:

• Intracorneal ring implantation in patients with ocular atopy carries a risk of sterile keratitis.
• The sterile keratitis observed was directly associated with the presence of the intracorneal rings.
• Surgical removal of the Ferrara intracorneal rings led to a complete resolution of the keratitis.

Implications:

• Ocular atopy should be a key consideration in the differential diagnosis of keratitis following intracorneal ring insertion.
• Early recognition and removal of intracorneal rings can be a curative treatment for sterile keratitis in atopic patients.
• This case highlights the importance of patient-specific risk assessment in refractive surgery.