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Infectious keratitis after laser epithelial keratomileusis
Anand Parthasarathy1, Julian Theng, Seng-Ei Ti
1Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.
Purpose:
To report two cases of infectious keratitis occurring after laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK).
Methods:
Two patients who underwent LASEK were referred to our center for the management of postoperative infectious keratitis. Infection occurred on postoperative days 2 (case 1) and 5 (case 2). Presenting visual acuity was count fingers in both cases.
Results:
Patients were treated aggressively with hourly topical broad-spectrum fortified antibiotics after corneal scrapings were obtained. Culture was positive for Staphylococcus aureus in case 2. Both eyes responded to treatment, resulting in residual corneal scarring with reduced best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 in case 1 and uncorrected visual acuity of 20/25 in case 2.
Conclusions:
Infectious keratitis can occur after LASEK surgery, and early diagnosis and aggressive therapy are required to aser ereduce visual loss.
Insights
Infectious keratitis can occur after laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) surgery. Early diagnosis and aggressive antibiotic treatment are crucial to prevent vision loss from this serious complication.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) is a refractive surgical procedure.
- Postoperative complications, including infectious keratitis, can arise after LASEK.
Observation:
- Two cases of infectious keratitis developed within the first week after LASEK.
- Presenting visual acuity was severely impaired (count fingers) in both patients.
Findings:
- Infectious keratitis was treated with hourly topical fortified antibiotics.
- Staphylococcus aureus was identified in one case.
- Both patients experienced residual corneal scarring and reduced visual acuity despite treatment.
Implications:
- Infectious keratitis is a potential risk following LASEK.
- Prompt diagnosis and aggressive antimicrobial therapy are essential for managing post-LASEK infectious keratitis.
- Timely intervention may mitigate, but not always prevent, visual impairment.
