Mycobacterium chelonae keratitis following laser in situ keratomileusis

Corneal infection after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is rare. However, surgical trauma or breakdown of epithelium increases the risk of surface infection. We present the case of a 45 year old woman who developed keratitis due to Mycobacterium chelonae 1 month after LASIK with the Mini-Laser Sight 2000 excimer laser. After an initial improvement following antibiotic therapy the infection progressed until it was necessary to perform penetrating keratoplasty, with a successful result.