Bilateral Serratia marcescens keratitis after simultaneous bilateral radial keratotomy

After bilateral simultaneous radial keratotomy, Serratia marcescens keratitis, which involved multiple incisions of both eyes, developed in a 46-year-old physician. The keratitis was treated with repeated wound debridement, fortified topical antibiotics, and topical povidone-iodine.

Six months after radial keratotomy, uncorrected visual acuity was R.E.: 20/25 and L.E.: 20/60, both eyes correctable to 20/20. Health-care workers who undergo refractive surgery may be at increased risk of acquired postoperative infections because of their work environment. Although the occurrence of simultaneous bilateral ulcerative keratitis after simultaneous bilateral radial keratotomy is rare, it is nonetheless a real possibility, making it prudent to perform radial keratotomy on one eye at a time.