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Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Three Different Protocols of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking in Keratoconus: Conventional, Accelerated and Iontophoresis
Published on: November 12, 2015
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Ocular Infection after Corneal Cross-Linking for Keratoconus: Potential
Romina Fasciani1, Antonio Agresta1, Alice Caristia1
1Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Ophthalmology Unit, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart "A. Gemelli", Largo "A. Gemelli" 8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Purpose. To report the risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ocular infection after UVA-riboflavin corneal collagen cross-linking in a patient with atopic dermatitis. Methods. A 22-year-old man, with bilateral evolutive keratoconus and atopic dermatitis, underwent UVA-riboflavin corneal cross-linking and presented with rapidly progressive corneal abscesses and cyclitis in the treated eye five days after surgery. The patient was admitted to the hospital and treated with broad-spectrum antimicrobic therapy. Results. The patient had positive cultures for MRSA, exhibiting a strong resistance to antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy was modified and targeted accordingly. The intravitreal reaction is extinguished, but severe damage of ocular structures was unavoidable. Conclusion. Riboflavin/UVA corneal cross-linking is considered a safe procedure and is extremely effective in halting keratoconus' progression. However, this procedure is not devoid of infectious complications, due to known risk factors and/or poor patients' hygiene compliance in the postoperative period. Atopic dermatitis is a common disease among patients with keratoconus and Staphylococcus aureus colonization is commonly found in patients with atopic dermatitis. Therefore, comorbidity with atopic dermatitis should be thoroughly assessed through clinical history before surgery. A clinical evaluation within three days after surgery and the imposition of strict personal hygiene rules are strongly recommended.
Insights
A case study highlights the risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ocular infection following UVA-riboflavin corneal cross-linking in a patient with atopic dermatitis, emphasizing careful preoperative assessment and hygiene.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Keratoconus is a progressive corneal condition often managed with corneal collagen cross-linking.
- Atopic dermatitis is associated with an increased risk of Staphylococcus aureus colonization.
- Ocular infections, including those caused by MRSA, are potential complications of ophthalmic procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ocular infection after UVA-riboflavin corneal collagen cross-linking.
- To investigate the potential link between atopic dermatitis and postoperative MRSA infection in this context.
Main Methods:
- A case report detailing a 22-year-old male patient with keratoconus and atopic dermatitis.
- The patient underwent UVA-riboflavin corneal cross-linking and subsequently developed a severe ocular infection.
- Microbiological cultures identified MRSA, and treatment involved targeted antibiotic therapy.
Main Results:
- The patient developed a rapidly progressive corneal abscess and cyclitis five days post-surgery.
- Cultures confirmed MRSA with significant antibiotic resistance.
- Despite aggressive treatment, severe ocular damage was unavoidable.
Conclusions:
- While UVA-riboflavin corneal cross-linking is effective for keratoconus, infectious complications can occur.
- Atopic dermatitis may be a risk factor for postoperative MRSA infection due to S. aureus colonization.
- Thorough clinical assessment for comorbidities and strict postoperative hygiene are crucial.
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