Mycobacterium chelonae keratitis after laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy

A 24-year-old man with myopic astigmatism had uncomplicated laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) in October 2004. Approximately 4 weeks later, a foreign-body sensation and redness developed in the left eye. A paracentral anterior stromal infiltrate was observed, and Gram stain on the day of presentation showed branching filamentous gram-positive rods. Cultures subsequently grew Mycobacterium chelonae. Topical tobramycin 15 mg/mL, azithromycin 2 mg/mL, amikacin 25 mg/mL, and cefazolin 50 mg/mL were initiated based on Gram stain results. We believe this is the first documented case of M chelonae keratitis after LASEK.