Herpes simplex keratoconjunctivitis in the immediate postoperative period after strabismus surgery

The authors describe the case of bilateral herpes simplex keratoconjunctivitis (HSK) following uncomplicated 7 mm bilateral lateral rectus recessions in a 3-year-old child. The recovery was initially unremarkable, and the standard postoperative drops of dexamethasone and chloramphenicol (non-preservative free) were prescribed. The child presented 8 days postoperatively with fever, right upper lid swelling and ptosis. She was admitted for intravenous antibiotics for suspected pre-septal cellulitis. Over the next 2 days, she deteriorated with bilateral lid involvement. An examination under anesthesia (EUA) revealed bilateral corneal epithelial (dendritic and geographical) ulcers with conjunctival erosions and pseudo membranes prompting a diagnosis of HSK. This was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. The child recovered within 2 weeks after starting oral and topical antiviral medication. This case highlights the importance of EUA in infections not responding to standard treatment. Although HSK is known to occur after topical steroid use and ocular surgery, we were not able to find any other cases in the literature and believe this is the first reported case of bilateral HSK in the immediate postoperative period after strabismus surgery.