[Evaluation of diffuse lamellar keratitis after LASIK with confocal microscopy]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Inflammatory Diseases

Context:

• Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common refractive surgery.
• Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) is a known complication following LASIK.
• Understanding DLK pathogenesis is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose:

• To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of DLK after LASIK.
• To elucidate the pathogenesis of DLK, including cellular infiltration patterns.
• To correlate confocal microscopy findings with DLK grading.

Summary:

• Confocal microscopy revealed inflammatory cell infiltration in the corneal lamella in patients with DLK post-LASIK.
• Mononuclear cells and granulocytes/lymphocytes were identified within the lamella.
• DLK severity (grades I-IV) correlated with the density and type of inflammatory cells and late scarring.

Impact:

• Provides detailed in vivo pathological insights into DLK.
• Highlights the inflammatory nature of DLK, involving various immune cells.
• Suggests multifactorial causes for DLK, aiding in potential prevention and management strategies.