[Central toxic keratopathy and fibromyalgia: a case report]

A patient with fibromyalgia after laser refractive surgery presented bilateral diffuse lamellar keratitis complicated by central toxic keratopathy.

A 51-year-old patient, followed for fibromyalgia, consulted for visual loss 1 week after laser in situ keratomileusis. Slit lamp examination revealed stromal infiltrate in both eyes into the flap interface. Confocal microscopy showed an infiltration of inflammatory cells into the anterior stroma and the flap interface. Intensive topical corticosteroid treatment was used and the left eye was treated with flap lifting and interface irrigation. The corneal infiltrates decreased very slowly, and the left eye developed postoperative hyperopia. Diagnosis of central toxic keratopathy was discussed. Visual acuity, highly volatile, was limited to 7/10 (right eye) and 6/10 (left eye).

Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) is a sterile inflammation after laser in situ keratomileusis. Central toxic keratopathy is characterized by noninflammatory central corneal opacification with a significant hyperopic shift. The cause of central toxic keratopathy is unknown. Fibromyalgia is a widespread, chronic pain disorder that includes a complex constellation of somatic and emotional symptoms. Patients often complain of dry eye sensations. Recent studies have highlighted a reduced corneal sensitivity in patients with fibromyalgia. There could be a relation between fibromyalgia, diffuse lamellar keratitis, and central toxic keratopathy. Some precautions may be used before LASIK in patients with fibromyalgia.