Bromfenac-induced neurotrophic keratitis in a corneal graft

A man in his 30s, with a history of two operated penetrating keratoplasty (PK), primarily for viral keratitis, presented with pain, redness and diminution of vision in his left eye of 4 days duration. Postoperatively, he was prescribed oral antivirals, topical steroid eyedrops, lubricants and antiglaucoma medications. Eight months after transplantation, an epithelial defect with heaped up margins was noted on anterior segment evaluation on a routine follow-up visit. On checking his medications, it was found that the patient was unknowingly using bromfenac drops in place of brimonidine tartrate for the past month. A diagnosis of neurotrophic keratitis was made in the setting of PK performed for viral keratitis, incited by use of topical bromfenac. The patient was prescribed preservative-free lubricants with immediate discontinuation of bromfenac drops. Topical steroid drops were withheld till the epithelial defect healed. Complete healing of the defect was noted after 4 weeks of therapy.