Sterile Keratitis following Collagen Crosslinking.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Ocular Surface Disease

Background:

• Collagen crosslinking is a standard treatment for progressive keratoconus.
• Complications, though rare, require careful monitoring and management.
• Understanding post-procedural inflammatory responses is crucial.

Observation:

• A 26-year-old male with progressive keratoconus developed severe keratitis 72 hours post-collagen crosslinking.
• Initial presentation mimicked infectious keratitis, treated with antibiotics.
• Confocal microscopy confirmed sterile keratitis, not an infection.

Findings:

• The patient developed significant corneal scarring and reduced visual acuity.
• The severe keratitis necessitated a corneal transplantation.
• This case highlights a severe, sight-threatening complication of collagen crosslinking.

Implications:

• Sterile keratitis is a potential complication of collagen crosslinking.
• Prompt diagnosis and management are vital to prevent profound visual loss.
• Corneal transplantation may be required in severe cases, underscoring the need for vigilance.